Hematoma espontáneo de la vaina de los rectos en paciente con COVID-19 y leucemia mieloide crónica. Reporte de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura

Introducción: El hematoma de la vaina de los rectos es poco frecuente. En este reporte se presenta un caso clínico de este cuadro en un paciente con neumonía por COVID-19 y leucemia mieloide crónica, junto con una revisión de literatura. Caso Clínico: Paciente masculino de 55 años, hospitalizado por neumonía por COVID-19 y leucemia mieloide crónica, presenta taquicardia, hipotensión y aumento de volumen abdominal asimétrico. En la tomografía computarizada se evidencia un hematoma de la vaina de los rectos. Se realiza drenaje quirúrgico y control del sangrado. No presentó complicaciones postoperatorias ni necesidad de reoperación. Discusión: Las complicaciones hemorrágicas en pacientes con COVID-19 están poco descritas. El sangrado es una posible complicación en pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica. Es relevante tener en cuenta el hematoma de la vaina de los rectos en pacientes con COVID-19 y/o leucemia mieloide crónica que presenten aumento de volumen abdominal, para un manejo precoz por un equipo multidisciplinario. Conclusión: La vigilancia activa y el alto índice de sospecha son clave para identificar posibles complicaciones hemorrágicas en pacientes con COVID-19 y/o leucemia mieloide crónica.

Introduction: Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare entity. This report presents a clinical case of a rectus sheath hematoma in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia and chronic myeloid leukemia, along with a review of the literature. Case Report: A 55-year-old male patient, hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia and chronic myeloid leukemia, presents with tachycardia and hypotension. Computed tomography shows a rectus sheath hematoma. Surgical management was performed to control bleeding and drainage of the hematoma. There were no postoperative complications or need for reoperation. Discussion: Hemorrhagic complications in patients with COVID-19 are seldomly reported. Bleeding is a possible complication in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. It is important to take into account rectus sheath hematoma in patients with COVID-19 and/or chronic myeloid leukemia who present with abdominal pain, for early management by a multidisciplinary team. Conclusion: Active surveillance and a high index of suspicion are key to identifying potential bleeding complications in patients with COVID-19 and/or chronic myeloid leukemia.

Neumoencéfalo, una revisión de literatura

El neumoencéfalo corresponde a la presencia de aire intracraneal y, en general, es asintomático y autolimitado. Puede ocurrir posterior a trauma, cirugía craneofacial, defectos congénitos, infección, neoplasia o de forma espontánea. El neumoencéfalo a tensión es una emergencia neuroquirúrgica, en la que se acumula aire intracraneal de forma continua que genera un efecto de masa. Clínicamente, se caracteriza por cefalea y un deterioro neurológico marcado. A pesar de ser poco frecuente, es relevante considerar el neumoencéfalo a tensión como una posible complicación en pacientes con antecedente de neurocirugía y/o cirugía otorrinolaringológica, debido a que es una patología potencialmente grave. El diagnóstico es clínico e imagenológico, y requiere de un alto índice de sospecha. Un manejo oportuno es relevante para prevenir la herniación y la muerte.

Pneumocephalus refers to the presence of air in the cranial cavity, and in general, is self-limited and asymptomatic. It can occur after trauma, craniofacial surgery, due to congenital defects, infection, neoplasia or spontaneously. Tension pneumocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency in which intracranial air accumulates continuously, causing a mass effect. It presents with headache and marked neurological deterioration. Despite being rare, it is relevant to consider tension pneumocephalus as a possible complication in patients with a history of neurosurgery and/or otolaryngology surgery, as it can be life-threatening. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and imagenologic confirmation. Timely management is relevant to prevent herniation and death.

Neumoencéfalo recurrente post quirúrgico, a raíz de dos casos / Post-surgical late pneumoencephalus, based on two cases

El neumoencéfalo es una patología que comúnmente se presenta después de cirugía neuroquirúrgica y ocasionalmente endonasal. Estos se suelen manejar de manera conservadora, sin embargo, se pueden asociar a distintas etiologías las cuales los hacen recurrir. En este reporte presentamos dos casos de neumoencéfalo tardío post quirúrgico asociado a fístulas de LCR de bajo flujo, donde se discute su clínica, etiología y manejo posterior.

Pneumocephalus is a pathology that commonly occurs after endonasal surgery, these are usually managed conservatively, however they can be associated with different etiologies which make them recur. In this report we present two cases of post-surgical late pneumocephalus associated with low-flow CSF fistulae, where its symptoms, etiology, and subsequent management are discussed.

Neuralgia del nervio glosofaríngeo posamigdalectomía: reporte de dos casos / Post-tonsillectomy glossopharyngeal nerve neuralgia: report of two cases

Resumen La amigdalectomía es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos más frecuentes que realiza el otorrinolaringólogo. Dentro de las complicaciones posoperatorias, la neuralgia del nervio glosofaríngeo es extremadamente poco frecuente. En este artículo se presentan dos casos clínicos pediátricos con neuralgia del glosofaríngeo posamigdalectomía que fueron resueltos con tratamiento médico.

Abstract Tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures done by the otolaryngologist. Among post-operative complications, the glossopharyngeal neuralgia is extremely uncommon. This article presents two pediatric clinical cases with post-tonsillectomy glossopharyngeal neuralgia that were resolved with medical treatment.

Resultados preliminares en la implementación de una técnica de detección de ganglio centinela en cáncer de cuello uterino y endometrio en un hospital público y centro formador en chile / Preliminary results in the implementation of a sentinel node detection technique in cervical and endometrial cancer in a public hospital and training center in Chile

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la técnica de azul patente (disponible en todo el territorio nacional) en el ganglio centinela para la estadificación del cáncer cérvico uterino y en-dometrial. Método Estudio prospectivo realizado entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. Se evaluó la técnica de azul patente para la detección de ganglio centinela en la estadificación del cáncer cérvico uterino y endometrial, antes de la linfadenectomía pélvica estándar. La inyección del azul patente se aplicó en el cuello uterino (1 cc 1 cm de profundidad y 1 cc superficial) a las 3 y 9 horas, 20 minutos antes del inicio de la cirugía (laparotomía o laparoscópica). La identifica-ción y extracción del ganglio centinela fue realizado por un ginecólogo oncólogo certificado y evaluado mediante histología tradicional con hematoxilina y eosina (H&E). Resultado Se realiza-ron un total de 80 cirugías. El ganglio centinela se identificó en 75 (94%) pacientes, 60 (75%) bilateralmente; Con una detección media de 1,9 nodos por paciente. El sitio de identificación más frecuente fue la fosa obturatriz (43,9%), seguida de los vasos ilíacos externos. Otro 2,6% de los nodos fueron encontrados en sitios poco comunes. Entre los ganglios linfáticos seleccio-nados, 10 casos fueron positivos para el cáncer. No hubo ganglio centinela falso negativo. La tasa de detección fue del 83%, con una especificidad del 95%. Conclusiones Los datos aquí expuestos nos permiten estandarizar e implementar el uso de gan-glio centinela con azul patente. El uso de GC adecua la cirugía a la necesidad de la paciente, con una clara disminución en la incidencia de complicaciones asociadas a la linfadenectomía. Este trabajo forma parte de un estudio inicial el cual se debe complementar con el uso de la tin-ción de verde de indocianina y el estudio anatomo patológico con ultraestadiaje para obtener una validación e implementación adecuada del GC en la etapificación en cáncer de cérvix y endo-metrio.

SUMMARY Objective To assess the diagnostic performance of patent blue dye technique (available in the whole country) in sentinel lymph node for cervical and endometrial cancer staging. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2014 to December 2018. Patent blue dye technique was assessed for the detection of sentinel lymph node in cervical and endometrial cancer staging, before standard pelvic lymphadenectomy. Blue dye injection was applied in the cervix (1cc 1cm deep and 1cc superficial) at 3 and 9 hour, 20 minutes prior start-ing a surgery (laparotomy or laparoscopic). The sentinel lymph node was collected by a certified surgeon and assessed by traditional histologic hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results A total of 80 surgeries were performed. The sentinel lymph node was identified in 75 (94%) patients, 60 (75%) bilaterally; with an average detection of 1,9 nodes per patient. The most common site of identifi-cation was the obturator fossa, followed by the external iliac vessels (43,9%). 2,6% of the nodes were found in uncommon sites. 10 lymph nodes were cancer-positive. There were no false neg-ative sentinel node.Overall in our cohort the detection rate was 83% for specificity 95%. Conclusions Our data presented in this publication allow us to safely standardize and implement a sentinel lymph node technique with patent blue. This technique will allow us to adapt the sur-gery for the patient's needs, diminishing the incidence of complications associated with lym-phadenectomy. This is the first stage of our work which we must complement with indocyanine green and pathological study with ultrastaging to obtain an adequate validation and implementa-tion of sentinel node in cervical and endometrial cancer staging.

Relevancia clínica de las interacciones medicamentosas en pacientes infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana: actualización 2015-2017 / The clinical relevance of drug interactions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: update 2015-2017

Resumen Introducción: La farmacocinética de los anti-retrovirales (ARVs) puede ser modificada por otros medicamentos de uso concomitante. Es oportuno actualizar las interacciones entre nuevos ARVs y fármacos de uso crónico para mantener un éxito terapéutico. Objetivo: Actualizar información sobre interacciones medicamentosas en pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA en terapia antiretroviral. Método: Revisión estructurada en MEDLINE/ PubMed utilizando los términos Mesh: Anti-retroviral agents and drug interactions or herb-drug interactions or food-drug interactions, entre enero de 2015 y junio de 2017. Fueron seleccionadas publicaciones sobre interacciones medicamentosas en humanos, en inglés o español y con acceso a texto completo. Además, se incluyeron referencias de artículos considerados relevantes. La inclusión de los artículos fue evaluada por tres investigadores independientes y, en caso de requerirlo, por consenso entre ellos. La relevancia clínica se estableció, acorde con la gravedad y probabilidad de ocurrencia de la interacción. Resultados: Se identificaron 466 artículos, se accedió a texto completo a 444. De éstos, 164 aportaron interacciones, lo que permitió identificar un total de 534 parejas de interacciones medicamentosas. Las interacciones que presentaron un mayor riesgo de generar problemas de seguridad y efectividad fueron 308 (57,7%) de nivel 2 y 35 (6,6%) de nivel 1. Conclusiones: Se identifican 534 parejas nuevas de interacciones medicamentosas, de ellas 308 (64,2%) de mayor relevancia clínica.

Background: The pharmacokinetics of anti-retrovirals (ARVs) can be modified by other concomitant medicinal products. It is timely to update the interactions between new ARVs and drugs of chronic use to maintain therapeutic success. Aim: To update information about drug interactions in patients with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy. Methods: Comprehensive literature review in MEDLINE/PubMed database from January of 2015 to June of 2017, using the Mesh terms: Anti-retroviral agents and drug interactions or herb-drug interactions or food-drug interactions. Publications with drug interactions in humans, in English or Spanish, and with full text were retrieved. Additionally, citation lists from identified articles were reviewed. The study inclusion was assessed by three independent researchers and by consensus among them when was necessary. Clinical relevance of drug interaction was grouped into levels according to seriously and probability of occurrence. Results: 466 articles were identified; full text was accessed in 444. Of these, 164 provided interactions, which allowed the identification of a total of 534 pairs of drug interactions. The interactions that presented a higher risk of generating safety and effectiveness problems were 308 (57.7%) of level 2 and 35 (6.6%) of level 1. Conclusions: We identify 534 new pairs of drug interactions, of which 308 (64.2%) are the most clinically relevant.

Perfil familiar de adolescentes con sintomatología depresiva en la ciudad de Arequipa, Perú / Family profile in adolescents with depressive symptomatology in Arequipa City (Peru)

Resumen Introducción: La depresión en adolescentes es un tema cada vez más recurrente, sin embargo, son pocos los estudios clínicos que se han focalizado en esta población en el Perú. En el presente trabajo se hace un análisis descriptivo de la sintomatologia depresiva en adolescentes de la ciudad de Arequipa, en función de ciertas variables familiares. Método: Se trata de un estudio asociativo, que incluyó a una muestra de 1.225 adolescentes entre 11 a 18 años con una edad promedio de 14, provenientes de colegios públicos y privados de la ciudad. Se aplicó el Inventario de Depresión de Beck, un Cuestionario sobre Asuntos Familiares y otras preguntas sobre violencia intrafamiliar y consumo de alcohol. Resultados: Se encontró que un importante porcentaje (41,4%) cumple con los criterios psicométricos de depresión, y que factores como los conflictos interparentales, el consumo de alcohol de los padres y la violencia ejercida hacia los hijos arrojan diferencias significativas según el nivel de sintomatología depresiva. Conclusiones: Se concluye que ciertas características de disfuncionalidad familiar como el conflicto intrafamiliar, el consumo de alcohol y la violencia parental, se asocian con la sintomatología depresiva en los adolescentes.

Introduction: The depression in teenagers is a current theme nowadays, although, there are few clinical studies focused on this population in Peru. In this work we made a descriptive analysis about the depressive symptomatology in adolescents from Arequipa City, according to certain family variables. Method: This is an associative study, which includes a sample of 1225 teenagers among 11 to 18 years old with an average age of 14, who came from public and private high schools around the city. Beck's Depression Inventory, Family Topics Questionnaire, and some questions about domestic violence and alcohol consumption, were applied to the teenagers. Results: We found an important percentage (41.4%) of teenagers who have some levels of depressive symptomatology according to psychometrical criteria, and some factor, such as parental conflict, alcohol consumption and violence from parents to children have significant differences, taking the depression levels as comparative criteria. Conclusions: We conclude that certain features of family disfunctionality like interparental conflict, the alcohol consumption by parents and the parental violence, are associated with depressive symptomatology in teenagers.

Protocolo clínico para inducción del trabajo de parto: propuesta de consenso / Clinical protocol for labor induction: consensus proposal

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: la inducción del trabajo de parto es un procedimiento que se indica cuando existe riesgo de continuar el embarazo, en lugar de interrumpirlo. Esta maniobra enfrenta nuevas presiones, por lo que es necesario mantener actualizado el conocimiento sobre su indicación. En los últimos años se han desarrollado protocolos clínicos de mayor eficacia y seguridad, que han hecho más accesible este procedimiento. OBJETIVO: emitir un consenso actualizado y analizar los diferentes aspectos de la práctica cotidiana relacionada con la inducción del trabajo de parto. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se integró un grupo de especialistas de trece instituciones nacionales para analizar diferentes aspectos de la práctica cotidiana de la inducción del trabajo de parto. Se siguió una metodología tipo Delphi de cuatro etapas, con bibliografía de normas clínicas internacionales de apoyo. CONCLUSIONES: la inducción del trabajo de parto considera los siguientes criterios: establecer con certeza que el procedimiento ofrece el mejor desenlace para la madre y el feto, confirmar la edad gestacional, realizar la evaluación obstétrica completa y contar con infraestructura para enfrentar las posibles complicaciones. Existen diferentes opciones para la inducción del trabajo de parto; sin embargo, en los últimos años se ha generalizado la prescripción de análogos de prostaglandinas (misoprostol) en todo el mundo. El especialista debe efectuar la evaluación individualizada de la paciente y el feto, con la finalidad de descartar situaciones que comprometan la salud de ambos. La complicación más común de la inducción del trabajo de parto es la taquisistolia, que puede asociarse con desprendimiento prematuro de placenta, rotura uterina y sufrimiento fetal agudo. Los óvulos vaginales de liberación controlada representan la única opción para retirar el estímulo con dinoprostona o misoprostol ante efectos adversos.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Induction of labor is a maneuver indicated when there is a greater risk of continuing the pregnancy, than interrupting it. The induction of labor faces new pressures that make it necessary for the doctor to be permanently updated. In recent years, clinical protocols of greater efficiency and safety have been developed, which have made this procedure more accessible. OBJECTIVE: To present an updated consensus and to analyze the different aspects related to the labor induction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Delphi-type of consensus was conducted with participation of active obstetricians and gynecologists specialists from thirteen national institutions. Major clinical-oriented topics of induction of labor were addressed. CONCLUSIONS: To induce labor, it is necessary that at least the following situations coexist: to establish with certainty that the procedure offers the best outcome for the mother and her child, to confirm the gestational age, to make a complete obstetric evaluation and to have the infrastructure Necessary to deal with possible complications. There are several options to induce labor, although in recent years the indication of prostaglandin analogues (misoprostol) has become the most common option worldwide. The specialist must make an individualized evaluation of the patient and the fetus, in order to rule out situations that may endanger the health of any of them. The most common complication of labor induction is tachysystole, which can be complicated by premature placental abruption, uterine rupture and acute fetal distress, requiring urgent attention. Controlled-release vaginal ovules are the only option available to withdraw the stimulus with dinoprostone or misoprostol in the presence of adverse effects.

Síndrome de Hallermann-Streiff y embarazo: manejo de la vía aérea difícil en embarazadas / Hallermann-Streiff syndrome and pregnancy: management of difficult airway in pregnant women

El síndrome de Hallermann-Streiff es una rara entidad asociada a hipoplasia del tercio inferior de la cara, determinando así una vía aérea de difícil manejo. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 21 años con ese síndrome, acondroplasia, escoliosis severa e infección respiratoria los días previos a la interrupción exitosa de su embarazo mediante cesárea. El manejo requirió una cuidadosa evaluación preoperatoria y disponibilidad inmediata de dispositivos alternativos para el manejo de la vía aérea en caso necesario. La gravidez, así como ciertas comorbilidades asociadas, aumentan la posibilidad de una intubación fallida con morbi-mortalidad secundaria importante, dado ello, es necesaria la preparación e implementación de algoritmos atingentes para el manejo de la vía aérea en casos como el presentado.

The Hallermann-Streiff syndrome is a rare entity associated to hypoplasia of the lower third of the face, determining a difficult airway management. We report the case of a 21 years female with this syndrome, achondroplasia, severe scoliosis and respiratory infection at the days prior to the interruption of her preg-nancy by cesarean section. Her management required a carefully preoperative evaluation and availability of alternative devices to secure her airway. Pregnancy and certain comorbidities increase the chance of a failed intubation with severe secondary morbidity and mortality, given this, the correct preparation and implementation of difficult airway algorithms in pregnancy if it’s necessary.

Reemplazo femoral total, reporte de tres casos con revisión de la literatura / Total femoral replacement. Three case reports and literature review

Introducción: En la actualidad, la cirugía de recambio articular de cadera y rodilla es un procedimiento común en centros ortopédicos. Sin embargo, sabemos que este tipo de cirugía tiene vigencia y requiere procedimientos de revisión. Estos últimos generalmente conllevan complicaciones importantes como la pérdida de hueso que puede llegar a comprometer la estabilidad de los implantes. Métodos: Se realizaron tres revisiones de artroplastía tanto de cadera como de rodilla que han requerido el reemplazo total del fémur y de las articulaciones involucradas en el período comprendido del 2006 al 2011. El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar la experiencia con estos implantes en cirugía de revisión de artroplastía. Resultados: El protocolo de manejo del postoperatorio fue estandarizado para todos y cada uno de los pacientes, requirieron manejo mediante desbridamientos y antibioticoterapia específica. Evidenciaron mejora significativa en el puntaje de la escala visual análoga del dolor (8-2.3 puntos p < 0.05) y funcional con la escala de valoración de WOMAC (21.6 preoperatorio a 55 puntos p < 0.05). Conclusiones: El reemplazo femoral total es un procedimiento quirúrgico de salvamento poco frecuente, demandante y complejo, que representa una alternativa ante la desarticulación de la extremidad pélvica en la etapa final de la enfermedad protésica. Se trata de una opción factible de realizar para mejorar la funcionalidad del paciente y disminuir la discapacidad residual para la realización de actividades de manera independiente.

Introduction: Currently hip and knee joint replacement were performed frequently at orthopedic centers. However, these surgeries do not last forever and thus revision procedures are required. The latter usually involve complications like bone loss that may compromise implant stability. Methods: Three hip and knee arthroplasty revisions were performed from 2006 to 2011, which warranted the total replacement of the femur and the joints involved. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with these implants used in arthroplasty revision surgery. Results: A standardized postoperative management protocol was used in all patients. They required debridement and specific antibiotic therapy. They had a significant improvement in the pain visual analog scale (VAS) (the score went from 8 to 2.3, p < 0.05) and in function, measured with the WOMAC score (from a preoperative score of 21.6 to 55, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Total femoral replacement is an infrequent, demanding and complex salvage surgery that represents an alternative to the disarticulation of the pelvic limb at the end stage of prosthetic disease. This is a feasible option used to improve patient functionality and decrease residual capacity for performing activities independently.

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma in cattle / Adenocarcinoma pulmonar en bovinos

The Macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical aspects of lung acinar adenocarcinoma and the presence of nodules in the abdominal cavity of an adult female bovine are reported. In the necropsy analysis samples were collected from the: lung, heart, spleen, liver, pancreas, kidney, uterus, intestine, brain, and from nodules found in the lung and abdominal cavity, which were routinely processed to be stained by hematoxylin-eosin and for an immunohistochemistry exam with the antibodies: cytokeratin (dilution 1:200 µL) and vimentin (dilution 1:1000 µL). The histopathological examination revealed neoplastic epithelial cells with acini formation. The immunohistochemical examination of the tumor cells showed positive marking for cytokeratin and the absence of marking for vimentin. According to anatomical, morphological, and histopathological findings, as well as the result of the immunohistochemical examination, the tumor was characterized as lung acinar adenocarcinoma.

Se relatan los aspectos macroscópicos, histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos de un adenocarcinoma acinar pulmonar y la presencia de nódulos en la cavidad abdominal en una hembra bovina adulta. En el análisis necroscópico fueron colectados fragmentos de: pulmón, corazón, bazo, hígado, páncreas, riñón, útero, intestino, encéfalo y de los nódulos hallados en pulmón y cavidad abdominal, los cuales fueron procesados rutinariamente para ser teñidos mediante Hematoxilina-Eosina y para examen inmunohistoquímico con los anticuerpos: citoqueratina (con dilución 1:200 µL) y vimentina (dilución 1:1000 µL). El examen histopatológico reveló células epiteliales neoplásicas con formación de acinos. El examen inmunohistoquímico de las células neoplásicas demostró marcación positiva para citoqueratina y ausencia de marcación para vimentina. De acuerdo con los hallazgos anatómicos, morfológicos, histopatológico, y el resultado del examen inmunohistoquímico, se logró caracterizar el tumor como adenocarcinoma acinar pulmonar.

Prevalencia de queilitis actínica en trabajadores expuestos a radiación ultravioleta en Talca, Chile / Prevalence of actinic cheilitis in chilean workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la prevalencia de queilitis actínica (QA) y factores asociados en trabajadores expuestos a radiación UV solar en la ciudad de Talca, Chile. Se examinaron 151 trabajadores, donde un 16.6 por ciento presentó QA. Todas las lesiones se presentaron en el labio inferior. El 40 por ciento de los casos poseía una edad entre 50 y 59 años y el 96 por ciento de los pacientes diagnosticados trabajaba más de 6 horas diarias expuestos al sol. El 56 por ciento de los diagnósticos de QA presentaron un historial 20 o más años totales de exposición a radiación UV por motivos laborales. El 56 por ciento de los casos de QA presentaron antecedentes de hábito de fumar. Los principales signos presentes en los casos de QA fueron la sequedad (100 por ciento), esfumación del margen del bermellón (88 por ciento) y el edema labial (84 por ciento). La mayoría de las lesiones fueron asintomáticas (60 por ciento).

The objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of actinic cheilitis (AC) and associated factors in workers exposed to solar UV radiation in the city of Talca (Chile). A total of 151 workers, of which 16.6 percent exhibited AC, were examined. All lesions appeared on the lower lip. The 40 percent of cases aged between 50-59 years and 96 percent of patients diagnosed worked up to 6 hours daily exposed to the sun. 56 percent of the diagnoses of AC had a history of 20 or more years of exposure to UV radiation for work. 56 percent of cases of AC had a history of smoking. Major signs present in the AC cases were the dryness (100 percent), blurred demarcation between the lip vermilion border and the skin (88 percent) and labial edema (84 percent). Most lesions were asymptomatic (60 percent).

Ictiosis congénita tipo laminar: reporte de un caso / Congenital lamellar ichthyosis: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ictiosis tipo laminar es una enfermedad dermatológica infrecuente perteneciente al grupo de las llamadas genodermatosis. Es una forma de ictiosis congénita que es evidente desde el nacimiento. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Recién nacido por cesárea, sexo masculino, de 36 semanas de gestación, adecuado para la edad gestacional y con APGAR 8. Antecedentes familiares: padres no consanguíneos y hermano con ictiosis tipo laminar. Luego de nacer es hospitalizado en la Unidad de Neonatología del Hospital de San Fernando, por presentar piel de aspecto rojo brillante, engrosada en cara y parte anterior de tronco con algunas fisuras en zona torácica, sin presencia de láminas de queratina, por lo que estableció el diagnóstico clínico de ictiosis tipo laminar. Se manejó con precauciones de contacto, analgesia, lubricación de la piel y suplementación con ácido retinoico. Evolucionó con descamación y aumento delas fisuras, las que posteriormente empezaron a disminuir quedando una membrana residual y con una adecuada hidratación de piel. Durante su estadía presentó alzas febriles intermitentes por lo que se realizó un hemocultivo que fue positivo a Staphylococcus aureus y cultivos de axilas, ombligo y zona inguinal que resultaron positivos para Enterococcus y Staphylococcus aureus, iniciando tratamiento con Vancomicina. Luego de 7 días de tratamiento, evolucionó favorablemente con disminución de sus lesiones dermatológicas por lo que se dio alta médica. DISCUSIÓN: El diagnóstico oportuno en base al cuadro clínico y manejo adecuado de este paciente ha permitido una adecuada evolución en ausencia de complicaciones.

INTRODUCTION: Lamellar Ichthyosis is a rare skin diseases belonging to the Group of the so-called genodermatoses. It is a form of congenital ichthyosis evident at birth. CASE REPORT: Male neonate, born at 36 weeks of gestation via cesarian section, appropriate for gestational age and Apgar Score 8. Nonconsanguineous parents. Affected brother with Ichthyosis lamellar. Is hospitalized in the Neonatal Intermediary Care Unit of the Hospital of San Fernando due to presence of Glossy red skin, thicker in face and fissures in the chest without collodion membrane. The patient was diagnosed with Lamellar Ichthyosis. Treatment was initiated with insolations precautions, pain relievers and lubrication of the skin, as well as retinoic acid supplementation. Progressed with cracked skin and scaling that subsequently improves leaving a residual membrane and an adequate skin hydration. During his stay, he also presented intermittent fever. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Skin cultures of Armpits, navel and groin were positive for Enterococcusand Staphylococcus aureus, so treatment with vancomycin was started. After 7 days of antibiotic treatment and a favourable evolution with evident improvement of his skin lesions, the patient was discharged from hospital for outpatient management. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis based on clinical presentation and an appropriate management of this patient, allowed an adequate evolution in the absence of complications.

Rate of weight gain in very-low birth weight Puerto Rican neonates

BACKGROUND: Small for gestational age neonates have a higher risk of growth delay. The purpose of the study is to determine if there are differences in their early weight gain patterns that persist after adjusting for confounding variables. METHODS: Two-hundred sixteen neonates born between 1999 and 2003 were included. The group for analysis was derived by matching all the SGA infants with AGA infants by sex, year of birth, and birth weight. The period of observation was from birth to date of discharge. Weight gain rate was defined as grams gained per kilogram of birth weight per day. Two sample T-test was used to determine the difference in growth rate between the groups. Simple regression was used to establish the effect of morbidities on weight gain rate. RESULTS: The total mean birth weight was 1105 g (+/- 223 g), the mean gestational age was 30 weeks (+/- 2.7 weeks), and the mean weight gain rate was 13.4 g/kg/d (+/- 6.8 g/kg/d). The mean weight gain rate for the adequate for gestational age group was lower (11.9 g/kg/d +/- 7.6g versus 14.9 g/kg/d +/- 5.5 g) (P < 0.001). When all variables were analyzed using the lineal regression model, only having a low APGAR score (P = 0.02) and being small for gestational age (P = 0.0004) were significant. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the growth patterns of very low birth weight neonates are different based on the adequacy of their birth weight, and that the disparity in growth rate is not explained by the differences in the incidence of morbidities that affect growth.

Assessment of the educational experience in the Neurosurgery Residency Program of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus

OBJECTIVE: In 2003, the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) made significant changes in the medical postgraduate training policies, especially the 80 Duty Hours per Week regulation. The Neurological Surgery Department at Mayo Clinic performed a national survey regarding the perceptions of program directors and residents on how compliance with the ACGME requirements has changed neurosurgery training. Using a similar methodology, we analyzed the University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus, Neurological Surgery Division's resident and faculty staff perceptions with regard the way its training is currently performed. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed among the neurosurgery division's resident and faculty staff at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. Performance on the American Neurological Surgery Board (ANSB) written examinations was obtained from residents' records. The quantity and types of surgeries performed by residents was retrieved from neurosurgery section computer files. The relevant data was entered into a database and descriptive analysis and frequency distributions were performed. RESULTS: Surveys showed some concerns from both residents and attending physicians on the topics of inpatient and outpatient facilities, research activities, duty hours and the number of residents currently in the program. An upward trend in the residents' ANSB written examination performance was observed over the years. The residents' yearly number and diversity of surgical procedures were adequate. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results from the surveys, the performance of residents in the Board examination, and their surgical experience, it is concluded that the general perception of the educational experience in neurosurgery is satisfactory but improvements could be made.

Clinical manifestations and vascular events in patients with lupus erythematosus anticardiolipin antibodies and raynaud's phenomenon

BACKGROUND: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACL) are two common clinical manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RP may lead to digital or limb loss. ACL are associated to thrombotic episodes. It is not yet clear if there is an association between RP and the presence of ACL in patients with SLE. OBJECTIVES: To study if the presence of both RP and ACL in patients with SLE may be associated with certain clinical manifestations or thrombotic events compared to SLE patients without RP or ACL. METHODS: SLE patients from two lupus clinics were recruited. The patients were divided into 4 groups. Patients with RP and positive ACL (RP+ ACL+), patients with RP but negative ACL (RP+ ACL-), patients with negative RP and positive ACL (RP- ACL+), and patients that were negative for RP and ACL (RP- ACL-) used as the control group. Demographic data, diagnostic criteria, clinical manifestations, history of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis and abortions were recorded. A physical examination was done. Anticardiolipin antibodies IgG and IgM were done in the rheumatology laboratory at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Descriptive statistics as well as analysis of variances (ANOVA), and polytomous logistic regression were used. RESULTS: 236 patients with SLE were studied. There was a tendency toward an increase in arterial thrombosis (p-value = 0.094) and venous thrombosis (p-value = 0.067) in the group that were positive for RP and ACL (RP+ ACL+). Although it was not statistical significant, when polytomous logistic regression was used, both arterial and venous thrombosis had an increase in relative risk 3.21 for arterial and 3.11 for venous thrombosis. Abortions were not increased in any of the four groups. Clinical manifestations from SLE did not differ among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with both RP and ACL seem to be at an increase risk for both arterial and venous thrombotic events; these patients may benefit from an antiplatelet medication to prevent these events to occur.

Plasma ascorbate in a population of children: influence of age, gender, vitamin C intake, BMI and smoke exposure

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of several personal and lifestyle factors on the levels of circulating vitamin C in a population of children. To accomplish this objective, blood samples were collected from 511 healthy children residing in the Greater San Juan area. The population was stratified into 4 percentile groups (approaching quartiles) according to plasma ascorbate levels from lowest to highest concentrations. Comparisons were made between percentile groups on the basis of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), dietary intake of vitamin C (corrected and uncorrected for energy intake) and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Smoke exposure was determined using urinary cotinine, which is a highly sensitive bioindicator for ETS. Dietary vitamin C was determined via one 24hr recall questionnaire. When all 4 percentile groups were used as a basis of comparison, no differences were noted for any of the factors between groups, however when comparing percentile group 1 (lowest blood ascorbate) to an aggregate value of percentile, groups 2-4, it was found that vitamin C intake (corrected for energy intake) paralleled blood values with a statistically significant association. Among personal and environmental factors only exposure to ETS showed a significant difference in blood levels between groups 2-4 and group 1. No differences between percentile groups were noted for age gender or BMI. These results emphasize that ETS is strongly associated with lowered blood ascorbate levels with the obvious implication of reduced antioxidant protection and increased risk of adverse health consequences.

Infliximab in Hispanics: characterization of response to infliximab in an ethnic minority with Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: The incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease (CD) varies geographically and with racial/ ethnic background. The highest frequency of occurrence is in North America and Northern Europe. Incidence is highest among Caucasians, lower in blacks and Hispanics, and lowest in Asians. However in the mid-1980s and 1990s, the incidence and prevalence increased in continental Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Rim, Africa, and Latin America. An increase in the incidence of CD has been noted in Puerto Rico, although our population differs genetically from other described CD populations. A study in our population showed lower prevalence of ASCA and no NOD2 in our CD patients. Infliximab, a TNFa antibody, is effective in refractory inflammatory CD and in fistulizing disease. Since limited data exists regarding CD in Hispanics, the fastest growing minority group in the United States, we designed this retrospective study with patients treated with infliximab at our institution. We wanted to determine if the response to infliximab in genetically admixed Hispanics differed from that previously reported. METHODS: Baseline characteristics, infusion related information and clinical response was abstracted from medical records. Clinical response was classified as complete response, partial response, and nonresponse. RESULTS: The study included 15 patients treated for refractory inflammatory disease, 9 for fistulizing disease, and 11 for both. The positive response rate was 83%(29/35) and the non response rate was 17%(6/35). Overall the patients with complete, partial, and no response were 13/35(37%), 16/35(46%), and 6/ 35(17%), respectively. No statistically significant association was found between response and disease location. Significant association was found between response and fistula type (p = 0.02). Steroid withdrawal was possible in 21/31 patients (68%). In terms of safety, 9/35 patients (26 %) suffered an adverse reaction, 4 patients required therapy discontinuation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that infliximab has similar global response, allowance of steroid withdrawal and safety in Hispanics as in other populations. Ethnicity does not seem to influence response rate to infliximab.

Improving access to liver transplantation: the University of Puerto Rico experience

Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease. It is costly, difficult, and not performed in Puerto Rico. For these reasons, it has been a limited option for Puerto Ricans with advanced cirrhosis, especially for those with no medical insurance to cover for the procedure. In an effort to improve access to the procedure and offer this chance of life to more Puerto Ricans facing death from complications of advanced liver disease, the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Division of the University of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with LifeLink Transplant Institute in Tampa, Florida and the Office of Catastrophic Funds of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, opened a clinic for liver transplant evaluation at the Medical Sciences Campus. The purpose of this clinic is to coordinate the pre-transplant evaluation of candidates for this therapy, provide the evaluation by the transplant surgeon in Puerto Rico, expedite the process in seriously ill patients, and offer post-transplant follow-up upon the patient's return to Puerto Rico. The purpose of this article is to describe the experience in this clinic from 1999 to 2003. One hundred ninety-three patients were seen from September 1999 to January 2003. The most common causes for liver disease were hepatitis C and alcohol, alone or in combination. One hundred thirty four were accepted as candidates for evaluation. Of these, 63 had completed the process, 33 were listed for transplantation and 21 had been transplanted by January 2003. Neither education level, marital status, health insurance nor Child score were associated with successful outcome. This clinic offers Puerto Ricans, especially those with limited resources, with a viable access to liver transplantation.