Predictive value of white blood cell count and C-reactive protein in children with appendicitis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Few studies have addressed the predictive value of white blood cells (WBCs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at different cutoff values in appendicitis. Our purpose was to determine the cutoff values for WBC and CRP at different periods during clinical evolution of appendicitis and to establish their use for the diagnosis of appendicitis and differentiation of simple from perforated appendicitis. METHODS: We studied 198 patients operated on for appendicitis, which were further divided into 4 subgroups according to the time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for CRP and WBC; the best cutoff points were used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity to discriminate patients with and without appendicitis and patients with simple and perforated appendicitis. RESULTS: White blood cell and CRP individually and together had a high sensitivity to differentiate patients with and without appendicitis. The specificity of WBC and CRP taken individually and together to differentiate patients with simple and perforated appendicitis was high, but the sensitivity was low. CONCLUSIONS: White blood cell and CRP could be used to support the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis, and, depending on the time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, to differentiate patients with and without appendicitis and discriminate simple from perforated appendicitis.

Occult pancreaticobiliary reflux in gallbladder cancer and benign gallbladder diseases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It was proposed that occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (OPBR) was associated with precancerous mucosal changes in the gallbladder, hence the importance of this disorder. There are no published reports investigating the incidence of OPBR in patients operated on for the entire spectrum of benign gallbladder diseases and gallbladder cancer. Our aim was to determine the incidence of OPBR and measure the levels of active pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) in gallbladder bile of patients undergoing cholecystectomy for benign and malignant gallbladder diseases. METHODS: One hundred eight patients with normal pancreaticobiliary junction evidenced by operative cholangiography were included in the study. RESULTS: According to gallbladder bile amylase and lipase levels, 84.2% and 89% patients respectively had OPBR. OPBR was present in all gallbladder cancer patients; in these patients the biliary levels of amylase and lipase were significantly higher than the levels found in patients with benign gallbladder pathology (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: OPBR could lead to inflammatory changes of the biliary epithelium and progress towards the development of precancerous mucosal changes and gallbladder cancer. The reason why such high levels of pancreatic enzymes are regurgitated into the biliary tree of patients with gallbladder cancer should be clarified.

Resultados alejados de la angioplastía coronaria en Chile en elRegistro Nacional de Angioplastía Coronaria (RENAC) 2001-2002 / Long-term results of coronary angioplasty in Chile according to the National Registry of Angioplasty (RENAC)

Introducción: En el año 2004 publicamos los resultados intrahospitalarios del primer registro chileno de angioplastía coronaria (AC), RENAC. Sin embargo, la información nacional sobre los resultados alejados de la AC en Chile hasta la fecha ha sido escasa y parcelar. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados alejados de la angioplastía coronaria en pacientes sin infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) en el país. Pacientes y métodos: Seis de los 10 centros participantes en el RENAC entre junio de 2001 y octubre de 2002 efectúan seguimiento clínico alejado de sus pacientes. Resultados: De un total de 892 pacientes sin IAM sometidos a AC y dados de alta vivos, se obtuvo seguimiento clínico en 744 (83,3 por ciento) y en 772 (86,5 por ciento) sólo de su estado vital. La mayoría había presentado un síndrome coronario agudo y en el 88,7 por ciento fueron sometidos a angioplastía de un vaso. El 84,8 por ciento de las 936 lesiones fueron tratadas con stents. Se obtuvo éxito angiográfico en el 97,2 por ciento de las lesiones y clínico en un 97,6 por ciento de los pacientes. Al cabo de un seguimiento promedio de 21 meses, la mortalidad cardíaca fue de 0,9 por ciento y la total de 1,7 por ciento. Se efectuó una nueva revascularización del vaso tratado en el 5,5 por ciento de los pacientes. La sobrevida libre de eventos isquémicos mayores fue de 90,0 por ciento. Conclusiones: Los resultados extrahospitalarios de pacientes sin IAM y sometidos a AC en Chile muestran una baja mortalidad cardíaca, una baja frecuencia de revascularización del vaso tratado y una alta sobrevida libre de eventos isquémicos.

Background: In 2004 we published the in-hospital results of the first Chilean coronary angioplasty registry (RENAC). To date the long-term results of coronary angioplasty in Chile is scant. Aim: To assess the long-term results of coronary angioplasty in patients without acute myocardial infarction in Chile. Patients and Methods: Six out of 10 participating centers in RENAC between June 2001 and October 2002, providedclinical follow-up of their patients. Results: A total of 892 patients without acute myocardial infarction underwent angioplasty and were discharged alive. In 744 (83,3 percent) patients clinical follow-up was obtained and in 772 (86,5 percent) only vital status could be ascertained. Most patients underwent one vessel angioplasty (88,7 percent) for an acute coronary syndrome. Stent implantation was performed in 84,8 percent of the 936 treated coronary lesions. Angiographic success was obtained in 97,2 percent of lesions and clinical success in 97,6 percent of patients. After an average follow-up of 21 months, cardiac and all cause mortality were 0,9 and 1,7 percent. Target vessel revascularization was performed in 5,5 percent and survival free of cardiac ischemic events was 90,0 percent Conclusions: Long-term results of coronary angioplasty in patients without an acute myocardial infarction shows low rates of cardiac death, target vessel revascularization and a high survival free of cardiac ischemic events.

[Contemporary practice of the coronary angioplasty in Chile. Final report of the Chilean National Coronary Angioplasty Registry (RENAC) 2001-2002]. / Práctica contemporánea de la angioplastia coronaria en Chile. Informe final del Registro Nacional de Angioplastia Coronaria (RENAC) 2001-2002.

BACKGROUND: Coronary angioplasty was introduced in Chile in 1982, but only after the introduction of stents it became commonplace. However the results of this procedure at the national level remain largely unknown. AIM: To assess the results and characteristics of coronary angioplasty and develop a national registry in Chile (RENAC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All centers performing angioplasty were invited to contribute prospectively with the clinical, angiographic, procedural characteristics and results of all consecutive coronary angioplasty procedures attempted between June 2001 and October 2002. RESULTS: In 10 centers, 1768 lesions were treated in 1484 procedures (22.98% in women). Mean age was 60.8 +/- 11.3 years old. Diabetes was found in 21.8%, hypertension in 60.2%, dyslipidemia in 52.0%, active smoking in 40.0%, renal failure in 6.2%. Myocardial infarction was recent in 28.4% and acute in 19.7%. Forty eight percent of patients had unstable angina and 15.5% had stable angina. Fifty three percent of patients had single vessel disease and 71%, normal left ventricular eyection fraction. One vessel was treated in 90.6% of patients and 81.7% of lesions were treated with stents, 17.9% only with baloon and in 0.4% with atherectomy. Angiographic success was obtained in 95.2%. Clinical success was obtained in 92.2%, and 95.1% In patients without acute myocardial infarction. Overall inhospital death was 2.2%. In patients without myocardial infarction, the figure was 1.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary angioplasty in Chile is performed mostly for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Stents are the most frequently used devices. The high success, low mortality and complications observed are comparable to North American registries.

Early hospital discharge followed by outpatient management versus continued hospitalization of children with cancer, fever, and neutropenia at low risk for invasive bacterial infection.

PURPOSE: To compare outcome and cost of ambulatory versus hospitalized management among febrile neutropenic children at low risk for invasive bacterial infection (IBI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children presenting with febrile neutropenia at six hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were categorized as high or low risk for IBI. Low-risk children were randomly assigned after 24 to 36 hours of hospitalization to receive ambulatory or hospitalized treatment and monitored until episode resolution. Outcome and cost were determined for each episode and compared between both groups using predefined definitions and questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 161 (41%) of 390 febrile neutropenic episodes evaluated from June 2000 to February 2003 were classified as low risk, of which 149 were randomly assigned to ambulatory (n = 78) or hospital-based (n = 71) treatment. In both groups, mean age (ambulatory management, 55 months; hospital-based management, 66 months), sex, and type of cancer were similar. Outcome was favorable in 74 (95%) of 78 ambulatory-treated children and 67 (94%) of 71 hospital-treated children (P = NS). Mean cost of an episode was US 638 dollars (95% CI, 572 dollars to 703 dollars) and US 903 dollars (95% CI, 781 dollars to 1,025 dollars) for the ambulatory and hospital-based groups, respectively (P =.003). CONCLUSION: For children with febrile neutropenia at low risk for IBI, ambulatory management is safe and significantly cost saving compared with standard hospitalized therapy.

[Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as an independent prognostic factor in colorectal carcinoma]. / Antígeno carcinoembrionario preoperatorio como factor pronóstico independiente en cáncer de colon y recto.

BACKGROUND: CEA is widely used in the follow up of patients with colorectal carcinoma. AIM: To study the value of preoperative CEA as an independent prognostic factor in colorectal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of 373 operated patients (204 females, age range 21-92 years) with colorectal carcinoma and a mean follow up of 53 months. The cutoff value for CEA was 5 ng/ml. Ninety four percent of patients had an excisable tumor, 79% had involvement of perirectal/pericolonic adipose tissue and 46% had lymph node involvement. Staging was done using Dukes-Turnbull and TNM classifications. RESULTS: CEA was normal in 61% of cases, over 5 ng/ml in 39% and over 15 ng/ml in 22%. There was a strong correlation between mean preoperative CEA and tumor stage, depth and lymph node involvement. During the follow up, 140 patients died, 57 with normal and 83 with elevated CEA. Cancer mortality in patients subjected to a curative excision of the tumor (Dukes A-C2/TNM I-III) was 9% for colonic tumors and 36% for rectal tumors (p < 0.001). There were no survival differences in patients with Dukes B/TNM II tumors according to preoperative CEA. Among Dukes C/TNM III tumors, survival difference was only significant for rectal tumors. A Cox model disclosed tumor stage, location and preoperative CEA as independent prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS: CEA is an independent prognostic factor for survival in colorectal carcinoma and high levels suggest an advanced disease.

Alcohol and hemorrhagic stroke in Santiago, Chile. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemorrhagic stroke (HS) is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. There is a dearth of information on HS from geographically defined populations in Latin America. In this study we assessed the importance of alcohol consumption as a risk factor for HS in Chile. METHODS: Case-control study in Santiago, Chile, of 140 consecutive patients with CT-confirmed HS, matched by sex and age with 140 hospital controls. Alcohol consumption was measured in grams (ethanol) per week, using a questionnaire administered to the patients or caregivers or both. We defined four categories of alcohol consumption: nondrinkers (0.0 g/week), light (0.1-115 g/week), moderate (116-402.5 g/week) and heavy drinkers (>402.5 g/week). Other variables measured included diabetes mellitus (DM), cigarette smoking, arterial hypertension, liver disease and chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Statistical analysis was performed with STATA 6.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 280 subjects with a mean age of 65.5 years were studied over a 3-year period, 122 men (43.5%) and 158 women (56.5%). Alcohol intake was 394.1 g/week among cases and 174.5 g/week in controls (p=0.01). The following odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were found: hypertension 4.89 (2.86-10.3) and chronic use of NSAID 3.44 (2.15-12.9). Using conditional logistic regression analysis high alcohol intake was found to have a statistically significant OR of 4.47 (CI 1.14-17.2). CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, a high alcohol intake (>402.5 g/week) increased more than 4 times the risk of HS and remained a significant risk factor for HS after controlling for hypertension, cigarette smoking, liver disease, blood cholesterol levels, and chronic use of NSAID. The risk was higher in younger patients (<65 years of age).

Sindrome de ovario poliquistico: presentacion clinica, bioquimica y ultrasonografica

En forma retrospectiva se efectúa una revisión de 115 historias clínicas de pacientes con Síndrome de Ovario Poliquístico (SOP) que consultan en la Unidad de Endocrinología del Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital San José en el periodo comprendido entre los años 1996 y 2002. Se determinó la prevalencia y se estableció una caracterización demográfica, hormonal y ultrasonográfica de estas pacientes. Destaca la presencia de un alto porcentaje de obesidad que alcanzó el 63% y una insulinoresistencia del orden del 76%. La LH se encontró elevada en el 47% de nuestras pacientes y la testosterona total y libre mostraron un bajo porcentaje de incremento (11% y 27% respectivamente). La Ultrasonografía mostró patrones característicos de SOP, de acuerdo a los criterios estandarizados actuales, en alrededor del 70% de los casos. Estos hallazgos nos inducen a priorizar el estudio de estas pacientes en base a LH y a insulinoresistencia por sobre los niveles de andrógenos. Desde el punto de vista metabólico se encontró un bajo porcentaje de Hipertensión Arterial y Diabetes Mellitus II (2,6 y 6,1% respectivamente).

La colestasia intrahepática del embarazo: atención según criterios de severidad vigentes / Pregnancy intrahepatic cholestasis: care according to present severity criteria

El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la vigencia de los criterios de severidad en la CIE y su repercusión en el recién nacido. La muestra de 209 casos corresponde al total de egresos del Servicio de Embarazo Patológico de un Hospital tipo A de Santiago durante 1987. La CIE Severa (59,3%) presentó el Prurito Precoz y la Amenaza de Parto Prematuro como los criterios de severidad más frecuentes. Encontramos que a mayor número de criterios de severidad, peor pronóstico neonatal, objetivado por el peso de nacimiento inferior a 2500 gr y Apgar al minuto menor que 7. No se encontró mortalidad materna ni perinatal. Concluimos que en esta serie los criterios de severidad fueron válidos y que existió un manejo adecuado de la patología, inferido de la ausencia de mortalidad y disminución de la morbilidad materna-perinatal, en relación a estudios anteriores