Implantación coclear en pacientes de edad avanzada: Resultados auditivos / Cochlear implantation in elderly patients: Hearing results

Introducción: El envejecimiento de la población, así como la ampliación en las indicaciones de implantación, hace que cada día haya más pacientes implantados mayores de 65 años, lo que supone un reto a nivel de ajuste y optimización auditiva. Se ha constatado que la implantación coclear en pacientes de edad avanzada generalmente conduce a una mejoría, tanto auditiva como en la neurocognición, la depresión, el aislamiento social, la actividad física y la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Los objetivos de este estudio son valorar las características de los pacientes implantados a partir de 65 años en un centro terciario, analizar los beneficios e identificar particularidades clínicas en este grupo de pacientes. Material y Método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo con un seguimiento de 5 años postcirugía de pacientes con implante MED-EL y se realizó una visita preoperatoria y un seguimiento con audiometría en campo libre y audiometría verbales postquirúrgica al año, 3 años y 5 años postquirúrgico. Resultados: Se incluyó a 16 pacientes implantados unilateralmente. La edad media inicio pérdida fue de 36,75 años. La edad media de cirugía fue de 71,44 años. Los resultados auditivos fueron satisfactorios, con una media de audiometría en campo libre de 44,33 dB al año, 43,33 dB a los 3 años y 41,66 dB a los 5 años. El resultado en las audiometrías verbales (test de bisílabos y test de frases) fue mejor en el grupo de pacientes con adaptación bimodal. Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia, la implantación coclear en ≥65 años sí que logra mejorar las capacidades auditivas medidas, tanto en audiometría de campo libre como en pruebas verbales. La adaptación bimodal mejora los resultados auditivos, a pesar de la dificultad de procesamiento de los dos estímulos diferentes.

Introduction: The aging of the population, as well as the expansion in the indications for implantation means that every day there are more implanted patients over 65 years of age, which represents a challenge in terms of hearing adjustment and optimization. Cochlear implantation in elderly patients has been found to generally lead to improvements in hearing and neurocognition, depression, social isolation, physical activity, and quality of life. Aim: The objectives of this study are to assess the characteristics of patients over 65 years of age implanted in a tertiary center, analyze the benefits and identify clinical particularities in this group of patients. Material and Method: A retrospective study was carried out with a 5-year post-surgery follow-up of patients with a MED-EL implant, and a preoperative visit and follow-up with free-field audiometry and post-surgical speech audiometry were performed at one year, 3 years and 5 years post-surgery. Results: Sixteen unilaterally implanted patients were included. The mean age at onset of loss was 36.75 years. The mean age at surgery was 71.44 years. Hearing results were satisfactory, with a mean free field audiometry of 44.33 dB at one year, 43.33 dB at 3 years, and 41.66 dB at 5 years. The result in the verbal audiometries (disyllable test and sentence test) was better in the group of patients with bimodal adaptation. Conclusión: In our experience, cochlear implantation in patients ≥ 65 years of age does manage to improve hearing capacities measured both in free-field audiometry and in verbal tests. Bimodal adaptation improves auditory results, despite the difficulty ofprocessing the two different stimuli.

Encefalitis y abscesificación cerebral como complicación de una sinusitis frontal aguda en un niño

Resumen Las sinusitis son procesos infecciosos-inflamatorios de las cavidades neumáticas paranasales. Entre las complicaciones de las sinusitis agudas se encuentra la afectación intracraneal, con meningoencefalitis e incluso abscesos extra o subdurales. En este trabajo se describe un caso de meningoencefalitis y empiemas subdurales derivados de una sinusitis frontal aguda en un niño de 12 años, que acudió a urgencias presentando alteración del nivel de conciencia y hemiparesia derecha. Se realizan estudios de tomografía computada y resonancia magnética cerebral, evidenciándose ocupación de seno frontal izquierdo, acompañada de extensa afectación hipercaptante en cubiertas en hemisferio cerebral izquierdo, con formación de empiemas subdurales a nivel frontal izquierdo, parafalciano y en reborde tentorial. Ingresa para tratamiento antibiótico intravenoso y dado el nivel de afectación y la escasa respuesta a tratamiento médico, se decide realizar cirugía endoscópica DRAF IIa con drenaje del absceso frontal, etmoidectomía y meatotomía media izquierda, con sonda de drenaje a fosa nasal. Las complicaciones a nivel de sistema nervioso central son graves y han de tenerse siempre presentes, requiriendo en ocasiones drenaje quirúrgico con abordaje por vía endonasal o abierta.

Abstract Sinusitis are infectious-inflammatory processes of the pneumatic paranasal cavities. Among the complications of acute sinusitis, we can find intracranial involvement, with meningoencephalitis and even extra or subdural abscesses. In this article we describe a case of meningoencephalitis and subdural empyemas associated with acute frontal sinusitis in a 12-year-old child who presented to the emergency room referring altered level of consciousness and right hemiparesis. Computed tomography scan and brain magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed, evidencing left frontal sinus occupation, accompanied by extensive hypercaptant defects in the left cerebral hemisphere, with formation of subdural empyemas at the left frontal level, parafalcian and in the tentorial area. He was hospitalized for intravenous antibiotic treatment, and given the lack of response to medical treatment, a DRAF IIa sinus surgery and drainage of the frontal abscess, ethmoidectomy and left middle meatotomy with drainage tube to the nasal cavity were performed. Complications at the central nervous system are serious and must always be kept in mind, sometimes requiring surgical drainage with an endonasal or open approach.

Epidemiología del cáncer papilar de tiroides: Hospital Regional deAntofagasta y Valdivia: período 2005–2011 / Epidemiology of the papillary thyroid cancer: Regional Hospital of Antofagasta and Valdivia: period 2005-2011

El Cáncer de Tiroides constituye la neoplasia del sistema endocrino más prevalente en el mundo (1 por ciento de cánceres totales); el tipo morfológico más común corresponde al Carcinoma Papilar de Tiroides (CPT). Chile cuenta con pocas caracterizaciones epidemiológicas de esta patología, generando un verdadero problema de salud pública al subvalorarla. OBJETIVO: Obtener una visión global del CPT y comparar datos epidemiológicos entre Hospital Regional de Antofagasta (HRA) y Hospital Regional de Valdivia (HRV). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo de fichas clínicas con diagnóstico confirmado mediante biopsia de CPT, residentes en la II o XIV región de Chile, durante el período 2005-2011. Los datos recabados se tabularon según sexo, edad y región respectiva mediante Excel 2011, calculando adicionalmente la tasa anual de CPT por región. Los datos y valores obtenidos fueron descritos y comparados entre ellos. RESULTADOS: El HRA presentó 79 casos de CPT, con tasa anual promedio (TAP) de 2,03x100.000 hab.; 88,6 por ciento fueron mujeres y 11,4 por ciento hombres; 30,4 por ciento eran <45 años y 69,6 por ciento >45 años. El HRV presentó 88 casos, con TAP de 3,34x100.000 hab.; 84,1 por ciento fueron mujeres y 15,9 por ciento hombres; 52,3 por ciento eran ≤45 años y 47,7 por ciento >45 años. DISCUSIÓN: Según regiones la II presentó menos TAP de CPT que la XIV, existiendo en la última una tendencia al alza y en la II a la disminución, contrastando con la información conocida. Variaron los grupos etarios afectados, la II presentó mayor cantidad de casos >45 años, en cambio, en la XIV la mayoría fue <45 años, contrastando con la literatura...

Thyroid cancer is the more prevalent endocrine neoplasia in the world (1 percent of total cancers); the most common morphological type corresponds to Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (CPT). Chile has few epidemiologic characterization of this pathology, creating a real public health problem because the underestimating of it. OBJECTIVE: Get an overview of CPT and compare epidemiological data, between Antofagasta Regional Hospital (HRA) and Valdivia Regional Hospital (HRV).METHODS: We performed a retrospective descriptive study of medical records with biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of CPT, residents of the II or XIV region of Chile, during the period 2005-2011. The collected data was tabulated by sex, age and region concerned by Excel 2011, additionally calculating the annual rate of CPT by region. The data and values obtained were described and compared with each other. RESULTS: The HRA presented 79 cases of CPT, with average annual rate (TAP) of 2.03x100.000 pop., 88.6 percent were women and 11.4 percent men, 30.4 percent were ≤45 years and 69.6 percent percent>45 years. The HRV presented 88 cases, with TAP of3.34x100.000 pop., 84.1 percent were women and 15.9 percent men, 52.3 percent were <45 years and 47.7 percent >45 years. DISCUSSION: The second region had less TAP CPT compared to the XIV region. In the last one there is an increased incidence in general, while in region II tends to decrease, contrasting with the existing information. A variation in the affected age groups was found, the II Region had more cases >45 years, however, in XIV region the majority was <45 years, in contrast to the literature...

Frecuencia de agentes virales en niños con afectación del sistema nervioso central en el estado Zulia, Venezuela: durante el año 2007 / Incidence of viral agents in children with central nervous system affectation in the state of Zulia, Venezuela: during 2007

Diversos virus afectan el sistema nervioso central (SNC) ocasionando encefalitis, principalmente en la edad pediátrica. Determinar la implicación de agentes virales en infecciones del sistema nervioso central (SNC) en niños del estado Zulia, Venezuela durante el año 2007. Se recolectaron 109 muestras de líquido cefalorraquídeo(LCR) y suero, provenientes de pacientes entre 1 día de nacido a 14 años, que presentaron sintomatología clínica sugestiva de afectación del SNC y cuyo estudio bacteriológico convencional de LCR resultó negativo. Se determinó la relación albúmina LCR/suero a fin de descartar contaminación, resultando 24 pares óptimos para la determinación por la técnica de ELISA de anticuerpos IgM específicos para los virus Herpes Simple (VHS), Epstein Barr (VEB), Dengue, Rubéola, Sarampión y Encefalitis Equina Venezolana (EEV). De los 24 casos analizados, 15 (62,5%) resultaron positivos. Los agentes causantes de encefalitis fueron: 11 casos de Dengue (45,8%) (p<0,05), 3 de VHS (12,5%) y un caso de VEB (4,2%). No se detectaron casos de Rubéola, Sarampión, ni EEV. La pleocitocis con predominio de linfocitos fue el hallazgo más frecuente en los casos con encefalitis viral (EV) confirmada, sin diferencias significativas al relacionarlo con el agente viral infectante. Se evidencia que una proporción significativa de los niños con encefalitis es debida a agentes virales y se destaca un incremento en los casos de dengue con afectación del SNC en la región

Various viruses affect the central nervous system (CNS) causing encephalitis, mainly in pediatric patients. To determine the involvement of viral agents for central nervous system (CNS) infections in children in the State of Zulia, Venezuela during the year 2007. 109 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were collected from patients between 1 day and 14 years of age, who presented clinical symptoms suggestive of CNS involvement and whose conventional CSF bacteriological study proved negative. The CSF Albumin /serum relation ship was determined in order to rule out contamination, resulting in 24 optimal pairs for determining the IgM and IgG antibodies specific for herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein Barr (EBV), Dengue fever, rubella, measles and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) using the ELISA technique. Of the 24 cases examined, 15 (62.5%) were positive. The causative agents for encephalitis were 11 cases of Dengue (45.8%) (p<0.05), 3 VHS (12.5%) and 1 case of EBV (4.2%). There were no cases of rubella, measles or VEE. Pleocytosis with lymphocyte predominance was the most common finding in cases with confirmed viral encephalitis (VE), without significant differences related to the infecting viral agent. Results show that a significant proportion of encephalitis in children is due to viral agents, highlighting an increase in dengue cases with CNS affection in the region

Evaluación de la inmunidad a los virus de sarampión y varicela en niños y adolescentes del Municipio Páez del Estado Zulia, Venezuela / Evaluation of immunity to measles and varicella (chickenpox) viruses in children and adolescents of the Páez Municipality, State of Zulia, Venezuela

Las enfermedades exantemáticas son un grupo de patologías causadas por agentes virales, que se presentan frecuentemente sobre todo durante los primeros años de vida y responden en su mayor proporción a infecciones causadas por virus como sarampión, varicela, rubéola y dengue, entre otros. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la inmunidad a los virus de sarampión y varicela en niños y adolescentes, residentes del municipio Páez del estado Zulia, Venezuela. Se estudiaron 174 muestras provenientes de escolares y adolescentes aparentemente sanos, sin distingo de sexo y en un rango de edad comprendido entre 8 a 17 años, las cuales fueron analizadas mediante la técnica de ELISA. Se detectó una frecuencia de 59,7 por ciento para el virus del sarampión y un 44,8 por ciento para varicela. La seroprevalencia para sarampión y varicela estuvo homogéneamente distribuida en todos los grupos etarios. En ambas enfermedades se observó una mayor frecuencia en el sexo masculino, no encontrándose diferencias significativas. Se evidencia una baja inmunidad a estos virus, se sugiere incrementar los programas de vacunación en este municipio para eliminar la circulación de estos agentes infecciosos en la población

Exanthematic diseases are a group of pathologies caused by viral agents, which appear frequently during the first years of life and respond in greater proportion to infections caused by viruses, such as measles, varicella (chickenpox), rubella (German measles) and dengue, among others. The objective of this study is to evaluate immunity to measles and chickenpox viruses in children and adolescents residing in the Páez municipality, state of Zulia, Venezuela. Without regard to sex, 174 samples from apparently healthy adolescents and children between 8 and 17 years old were studied and analyzed using the ELISA technique. A frequency of 59.7 percent was detected for the measles virus and 44.8 percent for varicella. Seroprevalence for measles and varicella was distributed homogeneously in all age groups. For both diseases, greater frequency was observed in males, without significant differences. The study demonstrated low immunity to these viruses and suggests increasing vaccination programs in this municipality to eliminate circulation of these infectious agents in the population

Evaluación retrospectiva de fiebre amarilla selvática en Venezuela período 2003-2005 / Retrospective evaluation of jungle yellow fever in Venezuela during the years 2003-2005

La fiebre amarilla es una enfermedad viral, propia de algunas regiones tropicales de América del Sur y Africa, causando numerosas epidemias con elevadas tasas de mortalidad. Con el objetivo de caracterizar retrospectivamente el brote de fiebre amarilla selvática en Venezuela en el año 2003, a través de la determinación del número de casos confirmados y defunciones en los estados afectados, según grupos etarios, sexo, ocupación y procedencia y la identificación de factores desencadenantes del brote, así como también el estudio de los casos reportados en los años 2004 y 2005, se estudiaron los casos registrados oficialmente en el estado Zulia, durante el periodo de estudio. El Zulia fue el estado más afectado en el período evaluado con 25 casos (p<0,001), reportando mayor tasa de ataque durante el año 2003, Mérida y Monagas en el año 2004, y Portuguesa en el 2005. El grupo etario más afectado fue 25-44 años, predominando el sexo masculino, afectando mayormente al trabajador agrícola. Los resultados evidencian la alta letalidad de la fiebre amarilla al arrojar un 46,51 por ciento en el año 2003, 60 por ciento en el 2004 y 66,67 por ciento en el 2005. Se recomienda la implementación de medidas que permitan establecer una vigilancia mínima en las zonas con actividad demostradas.

Yellow fever is a viral disease, typical of some tropical regions in South America and Africa, causing numerous epidemics with high mortality rates. In order to characterize retrospectively the jungle yellow fever outbreak in Venezuela in the year 2003, by determining the number of cases and deaths confirmed in the affected states according to age, sex, occupation and origin and by identifying factors that triggered the outbreak, as well as the study of cases reported in 2004 and 2005, cases officially registered in the State of Zulia were studied for the period in question. Zulia was the state most affected during the period evaluated, with 25 cases (p <0.001), reporting the highest attack rate during 2003; Merida and Monagas had the highest rates in 2004, Portuguesa in 2005. The most affected age group was 25-44 years, predominantly male farm workers. Results showed the high lethality of yellow fever: 46.51 percent in 2003, 60 percent in 2004 and 66.67 percent in 2005. The implementation of measures to establish a minimum surveillance in areas with proven activity is recommended.

High intensity light increases olfactory bulb melatonin in Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection.

In mice infected with the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus and exposed to high intensity light (2500 lux) with a 12 h light: 12 h dark photoperiod, a significant increase in the levels of melatonin in the olfactory bulb was observed. The significance of these findings deserves further studies to understand the mechanisms involved in this effect since the olfactory bulbs have been proposed as first portal for VEE virus entry into the CNS. The increase in melatonin content could represent one of the mechanisms of defense against the viral attack.

Exposure to 2500 lux increases serum melatonin in Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis.

When mice infected with the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus were exposed to 2500 lux with a 12 h light: 12 h dark photoperiod, the serum levels of melatonin (MLT) remained constantly elevated. In mice exposed to 400 lux low levels of serum MLT were detected during the day and high levels during the night. An increase in the survival rate of the infected mice from 6 to 13 days after virus inoculation was also observed. The significant increment in the concentration of serum MLT produced by the high intensity light could be responsible for the longer survival rate of mice infected with the VEE virus.

[Urologic surgery without hospitalization]. / Cirugía urológica sin ingreso.

The improvement of surgical utensils, the development of endoscopic techniques, the simplification of many surgical procedures and the increasing substitution of classic surgery with treatments using the physical effects originated from innovative devices, together with the evolution of anaesthetic techniques, make possible for urological operations to be now simpler and less aggressive. All of what, whenever both the hospital and the social environment so allow it, can let us in many cases dispense with hospitalizations which, up to now, were considered essential or, at any rate, significantly reduce the patient's stay in hospital.

[Skin metastasis in prostatic adenocarcinoma]. / Metástasis cutáneas en un adenocarcinoma prostático.

Skin metastasis of prostatic carcinoma are extremely rare. Presentation of one significant case of these spread.

[New therapeutic alternative for complex renal lithiasis]. / Nueva opción terapéutica en la litiasis renal compleja.

The combination of percutaneous nephrolitotomy and renal extracorporeal litothricy, is currently considered to be the best choice for the treatment of complex renal lithiasis. This procedure, however, quite frequently needs the use of adjuvant maneouvers (urethroscopy, catheterization, large number of sessions, etc.), and there is a considerable proportion of residual lithiasis. We present here our series using a new therapeutic sequence: first, we perform extracorporeal litothricy (ESWL) of calices not accessible to the nephroscope, followed by percutaneous nephrolitotomy which has revealed to be a simplification of the percutaneous surgical technique since it decreases the movements of the nephroscope and the use of ultrasounds. Calyceal lithiasis previously fragmented are then extracted through the nephrostomic channel and so no lithiatic paths are induced, the percentage of residual lithiasis being also lower.

Local hyperthermia in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Assessment of 100 patients.

This study includes our first 100 patients who received local prostatic hyperthermia treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Subjective symptoms such as nycturia, stream, urgency, and objective facts like urine flow and postmicturition residue were monitored before treatment and 3 months after. The clinical (subjective) symptoms improved in 76 patients. Urinary flow increased in 63 patients, and the postmicturition urinary residue decreased in 32 patients. We were able to show that local prostatic hyperthermia is a valid option for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia although it is still too early to assess the long-term results.

Intralbugineous testicular prosthesis, a new technique. Summary of 30 implants.

A study of 16 patients who underwent intralbugineous testicular implants during the practice of orchiectomy is presented. In 14 cases of prostatic carcinoma, after bilateral subcapsular orchiectomy intralbugineous prostheses were implanted and in 2 other cases of testicular torsion unilateral prosthesis was implanted. With this new, easily executed technique the size, mobility and testicular sensibility are maintained.

[Technical modification in the surgical treatment of curvature of the penis]. / Modificación técnica en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la curvatura de pene.

Congenital curvature of the penis without hypospadias is not an uncommon condition whose treatment is by surgery. We report on 10 cases with congenital penile curvature submitted to the Nesbit procedure using our modified approach, which has achieved good results.

Ureteral blockage by Candida in a patient with urinary derivation type Camey.

A study of ureteral blockage by Candida in a patient suffering from urinary derivation is presented. It has been favourably resolved by medical treatment and nephrostomy. The increasing medical importance of urinary infections by fungi, especially in weak patients and catheter carriers, makes it important to employ more aggressive treatment. Regarding urinary derivation and Candida infection, in the case of urinary blockage the possibility must be considered that blockage may be due to fungi, since it can be successfully treated medically without the need of surgery.