Neurofibromatosis segmentaria bilateral en extremidades inferiores / Bilateral Segmental Neurofibromatosis on the Lower Limbs

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Niveles de capnometría como indicador de evolución de injerto renal de donantes en asistolia no controlada / Capnometry levels as an indicator of renal graft evolution in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors

OBJETIVO: Los valores de capnometría durante la resucitación son un factor predictor de la evolución de los riñones obtenidos a partir de donantes en asistolia no controlada. DISEÑO: Cohorte de comienzo retrospectivo de 37 donantes en asistolia y cohorte de validación de 55 trasplantados de riñón, entre 2013-2017. Ámbito: Población atendida por el servicio de urgencias y derivada al Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, como potenciales donantes en asistolia no controlada. PACIENTES: Cincuenta y cinco trasplantados renales con hemodiálisis, procedentes de donantes en asistolia no controlada. INTERVENCIONES: Determinaciones de capnometría y capnografía en pacientes candidatos a donación en asistolia no controlada. Variables: Calores de capnometría inicial y en el momento de la transferencia en el hospital para su comparación con la viabilidad de los riñones extraídos; fallo renal y retraso en función renal. RESULTADOS: Treinta y siete potenciales donantes de los que se consiguen 30 utilizados, de los cuales se trasplantan 55 riñones. El resto de ellos fueron descartados por mala perfusión o signos de isquemia. Se encontró una asociación (p = 0,016) entre valores de capnometría durante la resucitación en los donantes utilizados (μ, = 22,8 mmHg) frente a los donantes no utilizados para el trasplante (μ, = 17,35 mmHg). CONCLUSIONES: Se ha demostrado que los valores de capnometría durante las maniobras de resucitación ofrecen un marcador a tener en cuenta en relación con la viabilidad de los órganos a trasplantar en la donación en asistolia no controlada

OBJECTIVE: The capnometry values during resuscitation are an evolutive predictor of kidneys obtained from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. DESIGN: The study comprised a retrospective onset cohort of 37 non-heart beating donors and a validation cohort of 55 trasplanted kidneys in the period 2013-2017. Scope: The population served by the emergency service and referred to Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre (Madrid, Spain) as potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. PATIENTS: A total of 55 renal transplant patients subjected to hemodialysis and with grafts from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. INTERVENTIONS: Capnometry and capnography measurements in potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. Variables: Capnometry values recorded initially and at transfer in hospital for comparison with the viability of the extracted kidneys; renal failure and delayed renal function. RESULTS: A total of 55 out of 74 extracted kidneys were trasplanted (74.3%). The rest were ruled out due to poor perfusion or signs of ischemia. An association was observed (P = .016) between the capnometry values during resuscitation in the grafted kidneys (μ = 22.8 mmHg) and in the kidneys discarded for transplantation (μ = 17.35 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Capnometry during resuscitation serves as a marker to be taken into account in relation to the viability of the trasplanted organs in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors

Capnometry levels as an indicator of renal graft evolution in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. / Niveles de capnometría como indicador de evolución de injerto renal de donantes en asistolia no controlada.

OBJECTIVE: The capnometry values during resuscitation are an evolutive predictor of kidneys obtained from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. DESIGN: The study comprised a retrospective onset cohort of 37 non-heart beating donors and a validation cohort of 55 trasplanted kidneys in the period 2013-2017. SCOPE: The population served by the emergency service and referred to Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre (Madrid, Spain) as potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. PATIENTS: A total of 55 renal transplant patients subjected to hemodialysis and with grafts from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. INTERVENTIONS: Capnometry and capnography measurements in potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. VARIABLES: Capnometry values recorded initially and at transfer in hospital for comparison with the viability of the extracted kidneys; renal failure and delayed renal function. RESULTS: A total of 55 out of 74 extracted kidneys were trasplanted (74.3%). The rest were ruled out due to poor perfusion or signs of ischemia. An association was observed (P=.016) between the capnometry values during resuscitation in the grafted kidneys (µ=22.8 mmHg) and in the kidneys discarded for transplantation (µ=17.35 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Capnometry during resuscitation serves as a marker to be taken into account in relation to the viability of the trasplanted organs in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors.

Effect of progesterone on the vaccination and immune response against Chlamydia abortus in sheep.

Chlamydia abortus produces ovine enzootic abortion (OEA). Symptoms are not observed until the organism colonises the placenta, eventually causing abortion. Infected animals become carriers and will shed the organism in the following oestruses. This process suggests that sex hormones might play an important role in the physiopathology of OEA, affecting the success of chlamydial clearance and also jeopardising the effectiveness of vaccination. However, the mechanisms through which sex hormones are involved in chlamydial pathogenicity remain unclear. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the effect of progesterone on the immune response against C. abortus and on the protection conferred by an experimental inactivated vaccine in sheep. Eighteen sheep were ovariectomised and divided into four groups: vaccinated and progesterone-treated (V-PG), vaccinated and non-treated (V-NT), non-vaccinated and non-treated (NV-NT) and non-vaccinated and progesterone-treated sheep (NV-PG). Animals from both PG groups were treated with commercial medroxyprogesterone acetate impregnated intravaginal sponges before and during the vaccination (V-PG) or just before challenge (NV-PG). The animals from both V groups were subcutaneously immunised with an experimental inactivated vaccine, which was seen to confer high protection in previous studies. All sheep were challenged intratracheally with C. abortus strain AB7 and were sacrificed on day 8 post-infection. Morbidity was measured as the variation in rectal temperature and samples of sera were collected for antibody and cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-10) analysis by commercial ELISA. In addition, lung and lymph node samples were collected for chlamydial detection by qPCR and for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Sheep from the V-PG group showed less severe or no lesions and lower morbidity than the other groups. They also had the highest abundance of regulatory T-cells. The sheep from V-NT also manifested high antibody levels against C. abortus and less severe lesions than those observed in non-vaccinated sheep, which showed high morbidity, low antibody levels and severe lesions, especially in NV-NT. These results confirm the effectiveness of the experimental vaccine employed and suggest that progesterone could enhance the effect.

Effect of female sex hormones on the developmental cycle of Chlamydia abortus compared to a penicillin-induced model of persistent infection.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia abortus, an obligate intracellular pathogen with an affinity for placenta, causes reproductive failure. In non-pregnant animals, an initial latent infection is established until the next gestation, when the microorganism is reactivated, causing abortion. The precise mechanisms that trigger the awakening of C. abortus are still unknown. Sexual hormones such as estradiol and progesterone have been shown to affect the outcome of infection in other species of the family Chlamydiaceae, while estrogens increase chlamydial infection, progesterone has the opposite effect. To try to establish whether there is a relationship between these events and the latency/ reactivation of C. abortus in the reproductive tract of small ruminants, ovine endometrial (LE) and trophoblastic (AH-1) cells were treated with estradiol or progesterone prior to their infection with C. abortus. The results are compared with those obtained for treatment with penicillin prior to infection, which is a well-established model for studying persistent infection in other chlamydial species. Cells were examined by transmission electron microscopy, and an mRNA expression analysis of 16 genes related to the chlamydial developmental cycle was made. RESULTS: The changes observed in this study by the action of sex hormones seem to depend on the type of cell where the infection develops. In addition, while the changes are morphologically similar to those induced by treatment with penicillin, the patterns of gene expression are different. Gene expression patterns therefore, seem to depend on the persistence induced models of C. abortus used. Hormone treatments induced aberrant forms in infected endometrial cells but did not affect the chlamydial morphology in trophoblast cells. At the genetic level, hormones did not induce significant changes in the expression of the studied genes. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that penicillin induces a state of persistence in in vitro cultured C. abortus with characteristic morphological features and gene transcriptional patterns. However, the influence of hormones on the C. abortus developmental cycle is mediated by changes in the host cell environment. Furthermore, a persistent state in C. abortus cannot be characterised by a single profile of gene expression pattern, but may change depending on the model used to induce persistence.

Cutaneous sebaceous tumours and Lynch syndrome: long-term follow-up of 60 patients.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous neoplasms (SN) may appear sporadically in the general population but may also be part of the Muir-Torre variant of Lynch syndrome (MT-LS). There are few studies in southern Europe on the incidence of MT-LS in the population of patients with SN. AIM: To retrospectively review patients with SN and to analyse their clinical features and the incidence of MT-LS. METHODS: Patients with SN diagnosed between 1995 and 2015 were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of MT-LS was made according to established clinical criteria and, whenever possible, was confirmed by germline mutation analysis. RESULTS: In 60 patients (32 men, 28 women, mean age 69.22 years), 96 SN were diagnosed: 65 adenomas (67.7%), 16 sebaceomas (16.7%) and 15 carcinomas (15.6%). Of the 60 patients, 50 (83.3%) had a single SN and 10 (16.7%) had multiple lesions. Patients diagnosed with MT-LS (12 patients, 20%) were younger (63.25 years vs. 70.71 years), and had a higher incidence of extrafacial SN (4/12 patients, 33.3%), and were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to have multiple SNs (8/12, 75%) and keratoacanthomas (KAs) (6/12, 50%). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that all patients with SN should be investigated, as 20% of our patients were diagnosed with MT-LS. The most specific features of SN associated with MT-LS in our study were the presence of multiple lesions and association with KAs.

Melanoma subungueal: estudio descriptivo de 34 pacientes / Subungual Melanoma: A Descriptive Study of 34 Patients

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El melanoma subungueal constituye un reto diagnóstico por su presentación clínica frecuentemente atípica. El objetivo del estudio fue revisar las características clínico-patológicas de los pacientes con melanoma subungueal diagnosticados en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel y analizar los factores posiblemente asociados al retraso del diagnóstico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Fueron analizados los datos de 34 pacientes diagnosticados de melanoma subungueal durante 20 años en nuestro centro. RESULTADOS: Del total de pacientes, 18 eran mujeres y 16 eran varones, con una edad mediana al diagnóstico de 66 años. Únicamente 5 de los pacientes presentaron melanoniquia longitudinal al ser visitados en nuestro Servicio de Dermatología. De los 34 pacientes, 19 presentaron melanoma invasivo al diagnóstico, con una mediana de índice de Breslow de 3,70 mm; 16 presentaron ulceración y 8 invasión ganglionar regional al diagnóstico. Cinco pacientes fueron diagnosticados en fase de melanoma in situ. La mediana del tiempo de evolución de las lesiones desde su aparición hasta la consulta al Centro de Asistencia Primaria fue de 15 meses, y desde la consulta al Centro de Asistencia Primaria hasta el diagnóstico en nuestro hospital fue de 5,5 meses. Las lesiones localizadas en los dedos de los pies presentaron con mayor frecuencia ulceración (p = 0,017) y una mayor probabilidad de invasión ganglionar regional al diagnóstico (p = 0,012). CONCLUSIONES: Los factores que en nuestro estudio se asociaron a un mayor retraso del diagnóstico del melanoma subungueal fueron la ausencia de melanoniquia como presentación clínica inicial y la localización de las lesiones en los dedos de los pies

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Subungual melanoma constitutes a diagnostic challenge because it often has an atypical clinical presentation. The aims of this study were to revise the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with subungual melanoma diagnosed at a tertiary care university hospital and analyze the factors potentially associated with a delayed diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed data for 34 patients diagnosed with subungual melanoma at our hospital over a period of 20 years. RESULTS: The study population comprised 18 women and 16 men with a median age at diagnosis of 66 years. Only 5 of the patients had longitudinal melanonychia when examined at the dermatology department. At the time of diagnosis, 19 of the 34 patients had invasive melanoma (median Breslow thickness, 3.70 mm); 16 had ulceration and 8 had regional lymph node involvement. Five patients had subungual melanoma in situ at diagnosis. The median time from appearance of the lesions to consultation at a primary care center was 15 months; the corresponding time from primary care consultation to diagnosis at our hospital was 5.5 months. Lesions located on the toes were more likely to be ulcerated (P = .017) and to be accompanied by regional lymph node involvement at diagnosis (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with a longer diagnostic delay in patients with subungual melanoma were absence of melanonychia as a presenting feature and involvement of the toes

Subungual Melanoma: A Descriptive Study of 34 Patients. / Melanoma subungueal: estudio descriptivo de 34 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Subungual melanoma constitutes a diagnostic challenge because it often has an atypical clinical presentation. The aims of this study were to revise the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with subungual melanoma diagnosed at a tertiary care university hospital and analyze the factors potentially associated with a delayed diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed data for 34 patients diagnosed with subungual melanoma at our hospital over a period of 20 years. RESULTS: The study population comprised 18 women and 16 men with a median age at diagnosis of 66 years. Only 5 of the patients had longitudinal melanonychia when examined at the dermatology department. At the time of diagnosis, 19 of the 34 patients had invasive melanoma (median Breslow thickness, 3.70mm); 16 had ulceration and 8 had regional lymph node involvement. Five patients had subungual melanoma in situ at diagnosis. The median time from appearance of the lesions to consultation at a primary care center was 15 months; the corresponding time from primary care consultation to diagnosis at our hospital was 5.5 months. Lesions located on the toes were more likely to be ulcerated (P=.017) and to be accompanied by regional lymph node involvement at diagnosis (P=.012). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with a longer diagnostic delay in patients with subungual melanoma were absence of melanonychia as a presenting feature and involvement of the toes.

Nanoscopic structural rearrangements of the Cu-filament in conductive-bridge memories.

The electrochemical reactions triggering resistive switching in conductive-bridge resistive random access memory (CBRAM) are spatially confined in few tens of nm(3). The formation and dissolution of nanoscopic Cu-filaments rely on the displacement of ions in such confined volume, and it is driven by the electric field induced ion migration and nanoscaled redox reactions. The stochastic nature of these fundamental processes leads to a large variability of the device performance. In this work, a combination of two- and three-dimensional scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques are used to study the conductive filament (CF) formation, rupture and its nanoscopic structural rearrangements. The high spatial confinement of our approach enables to locally induce RS in a confined area and image it in 3D. A conical shape of the CF is consistently observed, indicating that the ion migration is the rate limiting step in the filament formation when using high quality dielectrics as switching layers. The sub-10 nm electrical contact size of the AFM tip is used to study the filament's dissolution and detect the hopping conduction of Cu during the CF rupture. We consistently observe a tunnel gap formation associated with the tip-induced filament reset. Finally, aiming to match the fundamental understanding with the integrated device operations, we apply scalpel SPM to failed memory cells and directly observe the appearance of filament multiplicity as a major source of failures and variability in CBRAM.

Donantes en asistolia no controlada (tipos I-II) con recirculación normotérmica versus donantes en muerte cerebral: evaluación de resultados funcionales y supervivencia / Uncontrolled non-heartbeating donors (types I-II) with normothermic recirculation vs. heartbeating donors: Evaluation of functional results and survival

Objetivo: El donante en asistolia (DA) es una alternativa al donante en muerte cerebral (DMC). Nuestro objetivo es comparar los resultados funcionales y la supervivencia de riñones procedentes de DA y DMC. Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo comparando los resultados de 236 riñones de DA tipos i y ii preservados en normotermia con 250 procedentes de DMC, trasplantados en nuestro centro entre 2005 y 2012. Se comprueba la homogeneidad entre grupos y evaluamos si la presencia de retraso en la función del injerto (RFI) de asocia a las variables pretrasplante de donante y receptor. Resultados: Ambos grupos muestran homogeneidad en las características pretrasplante en cuanto a: edad, incompatibilidades HLA, tiempo del receptor en hemodiálisis. El tiempo medio de seguimiento es de 33 meses (rango 0-87) los DA y 38 meses (rango 0-90) para DMC. Los DA mostraron un 5,5% de no función primaria (NFP) frente a un 4% en los DMC (p = 0,42) y un 80,9% de RFI frente a un 46,8% de los DMC (p < 0,001). Al final del seguimiento, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la supervivencia del injerto (92,8% DA vs. 93,6% DMC, p = 0,71) y receptores (99,1% DA vs. 98,6% DMC, p = 0,28). Conclusiones: Aunque el porcentaje de RFI es mayor para los DA, tanto la creatinina final como la supervivencia del injerto y el receptor son similares para ambos grupos. Por tanto, en nuestra experiencia los riñones procedentes de DA tienen resultados similares a aquellos de DMC y constituyen una excelente fuente de órganos para trasplante

Objective: Non-heartbeating donors (NHBD) are an alternative to heartbeating donors (HBD). Our objective was to compare functional results and kidney survival from NHBDs and HBDs. Material and methods: A retrospective study comparing the results of 236 normothermically preserved kidneys from type i and ii type NHBDs with the results of 250 from HBDs that were transplanted in our center between 2005 and 2012. Homogeneity between groups was tested and we evaluated the presence of delayed graft function (DGF) associated with pretransplant variables of the donor and recipient. Results: Both groups show homogeneity in pretransplant characteristics in terms of: age, HLA incompatibilities, and recipient hemodialysis time. Average follow-up time was 33 months (range 0-87) for NHBDs and 38 months (range 0-90) for HBDs. 5.5% of NHBDs showed primary non-function (PNF) vs. 4% of HBDs(P=.42) and 80.9% of DGF vs. 46.8% of HBDs (P<.001). At the end of the follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the survival of grafts (92.8% for NHBD vs. 93.6% for HBD, P=.71) and recipients (99.1% NHBD vs. 98.6% HBD, P=.28). Conclusions: Although the DGF percentage was greater for NHBDs, final creatinine as well as graft and recipient survival were similar for both groups. Therefore, in our experience, kidneys from NHBDs have similar results to those from HBDs and are an excellent source of organs for transplantation

Intratracheal infection as an efficient route for testing vaccines against Chlamydia abortus in sheep.

Pregnant ewes have been widely used to test vaccines against Chlamydia abortus. However, this model entails many disadvantages such as high economic costs and long periods of pregnancy. The murine model is very useful for specific studies but cannot replace the natural host for the later stages of vaccine evaluation. Therefore, a non-pregnant model of the natural host might be useful for a vaccine trial to select the best vaccine candidates prior to use of the pregnant model. With this aim, two routes of infection were assessed in young non-pregnant sheep, namely, intranasal (IN) and intratracheal (IT). In addition, groups of non-vaccinated sheep and sheep immunised with an inactivated vaccine were established to investigate the suitability of the model for testing vaccines. After the experimental infection, isolation of the microorganism in several organs, with pathological and immunohistochemical analyses, antibody production assessment and investigation by PCR of the presence of chlamydia in the vagina or rectum were carried out. Experimental IT inoculation of C. abortus induced pneumonia in sheep during the first few days post-infection, confirming the suitability of the IT route for testing vaccines in the natural host. The course of infection and the resulting pathological signs were less severe in vaccinated sheep compared with non-vaccinated animals, demonstrating the success of vaccination. IN infection did not produce evident lesions or demonstrate the presence of chlamydial antigen in the lungs and cannot be considered an appropriate model for testing vaccines.

Uncontrolled non-heartbeating donors (types i-ii) with normothermic recirculation vs. heartbeating donors: evaluation of functional results and survival.

OBJECTIVE: Non-heartbeating donors (NHBD) are an alternative to heartbeating donors (HBD). Our objective was to compare functional results and kidney survival from NHBDs and HBDs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing the results of 236 normothermically preserved kidneys from type i and ii type NHBDs with the results of 250 from HBDs that were transplanted in our center between 2005 and 2012. Homogeneity between groups was tested and we evaluated the presence of delayed graft function (DGF) associated with pretransplant variables of the donor and recipient. RESULTS: Both groups show homogeneity in pretransplant characteristics in terms of: age, HLA incompatibilities, and recipient hemodialysis time. Average follow-up time was 33 months (range 0-87) for NHBDs and 38 months (range 0-90) for HBDs. 5.5% of NHBDs showed primary non-function (PNF) vs. 4% of HBDs (P=.42) and 80.9% of DGF vs. 46.8% of HBDs (P<.001). At the end of the follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the survival of grafts (92.8% for NHBD vs. 93.6% for HBD, P=.71) and recipients (99.1% NHBD vs. 98.6% HBD, P=.28). CONCLUSIONS: Although the DGF percentage was greater for NHBDs, final creatinine as well as graft and recipient survival were similar for both groups. Therefore, in our experience, kidneys from NHBDs have similar results to those from HBDs and are an excellent source of organs for transplantation.

Endothelin-1 levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress in glaucoma patients.

To investigate the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), homocysteine (Hcy), vitamins A, E, B12 and folic acid in plasma of patients with different types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normotensive glaucoma (NTG). Patients were classified into 3 groups: group POAG comprised 48 patients, group NTG comprised 15 patients, and control group that comprised 75 healthy subjects. ET-1 levels were measured by ELISA, Vitamins A and E by HPLC, and Vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folic acid levels were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay. The ET-1 and Hcy levels were significantly higher (p = 0.002) in the POAG group compared to NTG and control group. Vitamin E levels were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the NTG group compared to POAG and control group. The increase of Hcy and ET-1 in POAG patients is related to vascular endothelial dysfunction. Thus results may play a key role in the development of this disease. Lower levels of Vitamin E in the NTG group suggest that oxidative process plays an early role in the development of this type of glaucoma.

Dual kidney transplantation involving organs from expanded criteria donors: a review of our series and an update on current indications.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to review our kidney transplantation program based on the use of expanded criteria donors, and to determine current indications for dual kidney transplantation (DKT). In 1996, a program was initiated to transplant kidneys from donors of over 60 years performing single or dual transplantation. METHODS: In 1996, a program was initiated to transplant kidneys from donors of over 60 years performing single or dual transplantation. DKT were performed with donors >75 and donors between 60 and 74 years of age and glomerulosclerosis of >15%. The kidneys of donors between 60 and 74 years of age and with glomerulosclerosis of <15% were used for single kidney transplantation (SKT). In 2005, we started to perform SKT despite glomerulosclerosis being >15%, taking into account donor and recipient characteristics. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2004, 222 SKTs and 88 DKTs were performed. Graft survival after 1 and 4 years was, respectively, 91% and 78% for SKT and 95% and 79% for DKT. In 2005, we started to perform SKT despite glomerulosclerosis being >15%, taking into account donor and recipient characteristics. From 2005 to 2011, 328 SKT and 32 DKT were performed. During this period most kidneys used for DKT were from female donors >75 years old, weighing <65 kg, with a creatinine of >1 mg/dL and glomerulosclerosis of >15%. The recipients for DKT were mostly male, <70 years old and whose weight was >75 kg. CONCLUSION: DKT from expanded criteria donors shows good outcomes. However, in many cases SKT may fulfill the need of the recipient. The archetype for DKT is an older female weighing <65 kg and the most common recipient is an overweight male who is <70 years old.

Spanish consensus document for acceptance and rejection of kidneys from expanded criteria donors.

In the recent years, more than 60% of available deceased donors are either older than 50 yr or have significant vascular comorbidities. This makes the acceptance and rejection criteria of renal allografts very rigorous, especially in cases of younger recipients, and at the same time encourages live donations. In our country, there is a lack of homogeneity in the percentages of use of expanded criteria donor (ECD) allografts between the different autonomous communities. Furthermore, the criteria vary greatly, and in some cases, great importance is given to the biopsy while in others very little. In this study, we present a unified and homogenous criteria agreed upon by consensus of a 10-member Panel representing major scientific societies related to renal transplantation in Spain. The criteria are to be used in accepting and/or rejecting kidneys from the so-called ECDs. The goal was to standardize the use of these organs, to optimize the results, and most importantly to provide for the maximum well being of our patients. Finally, we believe that after taking into account the Panel's thorough review of specific scientific literature, this document will be adaptable to other national renal transplant programmes.

Negative appendicectomy rate as a quality metric in the management of appendicitis: impact of computed tomography, Alvarado score and the definition of negative appendicectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The negative appendicectomy rate (NAR) is a quality metric in the management of appendicitis. While computed tomography (CT) has been associated with a low NAR, Alvarado scoring produces an acceptable NAR. The definition of negative appendicectomy may affect the NAR. This study examined the impact of CT, Alvarado score and definition on the NAR. METHODS: The charts of 1,306 emergency appendicectomy patients from 1996 to 2010 were reviewed. Three five-year cohorts were created (Cohort A: 1996-2000, Cohort B: 2001-2005, Cohort C: 2006-2010) and the NAR was calculated for each cohort using two definitions of negative appendicectomy: absence of inflammation (NAR-STD) and absence of intramural neutrophils (NAR-STR). NAR-STD was correlated to the CT rate for Cohorts B and C and also to Alvarado score for Cohort C. RESULTS: When the definition of negative appendicectomy was changed, the NAR rose from 9.2% to 15.8% (p=0.0097) for Cohort A, from 2.8% to 8.6% (p=0.0180) for Cohort B (CT rate: 80.6%) and from 3.0% to 6.7% (p=0.0255) for Cohort C (CT rate: 92.4%). The introduction of CT lowered NAR-STD from 1996-2000 (9.2%) to 2001-2010 (2.9%) but increasing the CT rate from 2001-2010 had no impact on the NAR. The positive predictive value for Alvarado score (98.60%) and CT (99.03%) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The definition of a negative appendicectomy determines the NAR. CT reduces the NAR regardless of definition but routine CT is unnecessary for male patients with positive Alvarado scores. Early/mild appendicitis may resolve without surgery and CT may contribute to unnecessary surgery. Alvarado scoring allows selective use of CT in suspected appendicitis.