Effectiveness of different booster vaccine combinations against SARS-CoV-2 during a six-month follow-up in Mexico and Argentina.

Introduction: Given the limited number of patients in Latin America who have received a booster dose against the COVID-19, it remains crucial to comprehend the effectiveness of different vaccine combinations as boosters in real-world scenarios. This study aimed to assess the real-life efficacy of seven different vaccine schemes against COVID-19, including BNT162b2, ChAdOx1-S, Gam-COVID-Vac, and CoronaVac as primary schemes with either BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1-S as booster vaccines. Methods: In this multicentric longitudinal observational study, participants from Mexico and Argentina were followed for infection and SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1-2 IgG antibodies during their primary vaccination course and for 185 days after the booster dose. Results: A total of 491 patients were included, and the booster dose led to an overall increase in the humoral response for all groups. Patients who received BNT162b2 exhibited the highest antibody levels after the third dose, while those with primary Gam-COVID-Vac maintained a higher level of antibodies after six months. Infection both before vaccination and after the booster dose, and Gam-COVIDVac + BNT162b2 combination correlated with higher antibody titers. Discussion: The sole predictor of infection in the six-month follow-up was a prior COVID-19 infection before the vaccination scheme, which decreased the risk of infection, and all booster vaccine combinations conveyed the same amount of protection.

Temperature Differences Between Controlled Primary Hypothyroidism and Healthy Patients: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is conventionally treated with replacement therapy through levothyroxine (LT4). Despite the improvement in symptoms, cold intolerance persists in some patients. The present study aims to determine whether there is a difference in temperature perception and skin temperature between patients with primary controlled hypothyroidism (PCH) and a group of healthy controls matched for body mass index and age. Secondarily we aimed to determine difference in quality of life. Methodology: Skin temperature measurements were performed in both groups, both in the central and peripheral regions of the body. In addition, subjects were asked about their perception of temperature in a temperature-controlled room; anthropometric measurements were taken, their quality of life was assessed using the ThyPRO-39, and a thyroid hormone profile was performed. Results: Eleven patients in the PCH group and 30 patients in the control group were studied. It was found that the group with PCH presented a significantly lower palmar temperature than the control group [mean (SD) of 32.05 (1.79) vs 33.10 (1.30) oC, P = .046]. A mediation model showed a direct effect. Temperature perception was equal between groups. The median (interquartile range) of ThyPRO was 8 (5.2) points in the control group vs 21.8 (13.5) in the group of controlled hypothyroidism, P < .001. Discussion: These results suggest that, despite LT4 treatment, patients continue to present abnormalities in thermogenesis-related thermogenesis, and this may be due to a lack of hormonal adaptation to environmental changes and physiological demands, leading to lower body temperatures and increased sensitivity to cold.

Efficacy of Six Different SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines during a Six-Month Follow-Up and Five COVID-19 Waves in Brazil and Mexico.

Comparisons among the different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are important to understand which type of vaccine provides more protection. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life efficacy through symptomatic infection and the humoral response of six different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2-BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1-S, CoronaVac, Ad26.COV2, and Ad5-nCoV. This multicentric observational longitudinal study involved hospitals from Mexico and Brazil in which volunteers who received complete vaccination schemes were followed for 210 days after the last dose. SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1-2 IgG levels were taken before receiving the first vaccine, 21 days after each dose, and the last sample at six months (+/-1 month) after the last dose. A total of 1132 individuals exposed to five COVID-19 waves were included. All vaccines induced humoral responses, and mRNA vaccines had the highest antibody levels during follow-up. At six months, there was a decline in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers of 69.5% and 36.4% in subjects with negative and positive history of infection respectively. Infection before vaccination and after complete vaccination scheme correlated with higher antibody titers. The predictors of infection were vaccination with CoronaVac compared to BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1-S. In the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or dyslipidemia, CoronaVac lowered the risk of infection.

[Nutritional, bone and body composition assessment of patients with knee and hip arthroplasty]. / Valoración nutricional, ósea y de composición corporal de pacientes con artroplastia de rodilla y cadera.

Introduction: Introduction: malnutrition, both due to deficiency and excess of nutrients, correlates to the morbidity of the surgical patient. Objectives: to analyze the nutritional status, body composition and bone health of patients undergoing elective knee and hip arthroplasty. Methods: an observational cross-sectional study was carried out evaluating patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery from February to September 2019. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), anthropometry, hand-grip dynamometry, bone densitometry, lumbar spine X-ray and bioimpedance analysis were performed. Results: eighty-six patients (61.6 % women) were evaluated, with a mean age of 69.5 ± 9.5 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.3 ± 4.5. According to MUST, 21.3 % were at risk of malnutrition; 16.9 % had decreased triceps skinfold with respect to p50 and 20 % had a pathological hand-grip dynamometry. In 91.4 %, vitamin D was < 30 pg/ml. In the bioimpedanciometry, the women presented significantly decreased muscle mass values. Age was correlated with a lower presence of fat-free mass, total and appendicular muscle mass. In those over 65 years of age, 52.6 % of men vs 14.3 % of women had a decreased muscle mass index; 58.5 % had low bone mineral density. We observed vertebral bone collapses in 13.9 %. Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of obesity in patients who are candidates for arthroplasty and this does not exclude the existence of a risk of malnutrition. They may also have decreased muscle mass and strength. Nutritional education and physical exercise recommendations are essential in order to optimize nutritional status for surgery.

Introducción: Introducción: la malnutrición tanto por defecto como por exceso de nutrientes se relaciona con la morbilidad del paciente quirúrgico. Objetivos: analizar el estado nutricional, la composición corporal y la salud ósea de pacientes sometidos a artroplastia electiva de rodilla y cadera Método: se realiza un estudio transversal observacional evaluando pacientes que ingresan para cirugía de prótesis de cadera y rodilla de febrero a septiembre de 2019. Al ingreso, se realizan Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), antropometría, dinamometría manual, densitometría ósea, radiografía de columna lumbar y bioimpedanciometría. Resultados: se evaluó a 86 pacientes (61,6 % mujeres), con edad media de 69,5 ± 9,5 años. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) medio fue de 31,3 ± 4,5. Según MUST, el 21,3 % estaba en riesgo de desnutrición. El 16,9 % tenía disminuido el pliegue tricipital respecto al p50 y el 20 % tenía una dinamometría manual patológica. En el 91,4 % la vitamina D fue < 30 pg/ml. En la bioimpedanciometría, las mujeres presentaban valores de masa muscular significativamente disminuidos. La edad se correlacionó con menor presencia de masa libre de grasa, masa muscular total y apendicular. En mayores de 65 años, el 52,6 % de varones vs. 14,3 % de mujeres presentaban un índice de masa muscular disminuido. El 58,5 % tenía densidad mineral ósea baja. Objetivamos aplastamientos vertebrales en el 13,9 %. Conclusiones: existe una alta prevalencia de obesidad en pacientes candidatos a artroplastia y esto no excluye la existencia de riesgo de desnutrición. Además, pueden presentar disminución de masa y fuerza muscular. Es fundamental la educación nutricional y recomendaciones de ejercicio físico de cara a optimizar el estado nutricional para cirugía.

Evaluation of Transplacental Antibody Transfer in Pregnant Women Immunized with Different SARS-CoV-2 Homologous or Heterologous Schemes.

There is scarce information related to transplacental antibody transfer against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with different homologous and heterologous vaccination schemes. This study aimed to correlate the magnitude of transplacental transfer anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different homologous and heterologous schemes. An observational cross-sectional study was developed to identify pregnant women vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. They were questioned about their immunization status; blood samples from the mother, umbilical cord during labor, and the newborn 72 h after birth were taken to measure anti-S1 and anti-S2 specific IgG antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. We recruited 104 women with a median age of 29 (SD 1.17). We found antibodies in all newborns with vaccinated mothers. Homologous BNT162b2 mRNA regimen had the highest mean (SD) antibody titers (AU/mL) in maternal (994.93 (3.08), p = 0.039), umbilical cord (1316.43 (2.79), p = 0.016), and newborn (1192.02 (3.55), p = 0.020) blood. The generalized linear model showed a positive effect over antibodies with at least one dose in maternal (ß = -1.1, p = 0.002) and newborn (ß= -0.717, p = 0.044) blood, and with two doses (ß = -0.684, p = 0.026) in umbilical cord blood. In conclusion, antibodies were detected in all vaccinated women and their newborns. Transfer of antibodies was found from the first dose, and the levels increased with the number of vaccine doses. Vaccination should be encouraged in pregnant women with any available scheme.

Education for Sustainable Development: Challenges for Postgraduate Programmes.

As the world faces progressive and interconnected global crises and conflicts, the educational expectations set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are in jeopardy. With the COVID-19 pandemic in its third year, the war in Ukraine has exacerbated the food, energy, humanitarian, and refugee crises, all against the backdrop of an unfolding climate emergency. The aim of this research is to analyse the challenges faced by postgraduate programmes in training human talent for sustainable development on the basis of Grounded Theory. To do so, we have used a dialogical intervention through the complementary experiences of authorities of higher-education institutions that live day by day for a fair, quality, and sustainable education. With a naturalistic qualitative method, where the hermeneutic analysis procedure is structured in five phases, and with data from key informants from 9 countries, 20 interviews are obtained with key informants in Latin American and Spanish universities during 2021, according to inclusion criteria such as: belonging to a higher-education institution, with a doctorate degree, with more than 10 years of experience in management, and training in postgraduate programmes. The data are processed through ATLAS.ti9, which allows for the analysis of the key informants' discourses. The findings show that the university institutions that currently offer postgraduate programmes are considering improving the quality of education; the first challenge is to redesign the curricula according to the demands of the current and future world, incorporating technological resources and knowledge of the environment; inter- and transdisciplinary curricula that form enterprising postgraduates with a solid ethical life project; critical, complex, and systemic thinking.

Analysis of immunization time, amplitude, and adverse events of seven different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 across four different countries.

Background: Scarce information exists in relation to the comparison of seroconversion and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our aim was to correlate the magnitude of the antibody response to vaccination with previous clinical conditions and AEFI. Methods: A multicentric comparative study where SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibodies IgG titers were measured at baseline, 21-28 days after the first and second dose (when applicable) of the following vaccines: BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, Gam-COVID-Vac, Coronavac, ChAdOx1-S, Ad5-nCoV and Ad26.COV2. Mixed model and Poisson generalized linear models were performed. Results: We recruited 1867 individuals [52 (SD 16.8) years old, 52% men]. All vaccines enhanced anti-S1 and anti-S2 IgG antibodies over time (p<0.01). The highest increase after the first and second dose was observed in mRNA-1273 (p<0.001). There was an effect of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection; and an interaction of age with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1-S (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation of Severe or Systemic AEFI (AEs) of naïve SARS-CoV-2 subjects with age and sex (p<0.001); a positive interaction between the delta of antibodies with Gam-COVID-Vac (p=0.002). Coronavac, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1-S had less AEs compared to BNT162b (p<0.01). mRNA-1273 had the highest number of AEFIs. The delta of the antibodies showed an association with AEFIs in previously infected individuals (p<0.001). Conclusions: The magnitude of seroconversion is predicted by age, vaccine type and SARS-CoV-2 exposure. AEs are correlated with age, sex, and vaccine type. The delta of the antibody response only correlates with AEs in patients previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05228912.

Analysis of Immunization, Adverse Events, and Efficacy of a Fourth Dose of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Health Workers in Mexico, a Pilot Study.

There is scarce information on seroconversion and adverse events after immunization (AEFI) with the fourth dose of BNT162b2. Our aim was to correlate the magnitude of the antibody response to this vaccination regimen in terms of clinical conditions and AEFI. This was an observational pilot study in which SARS-CoV-2 S1−S2 IgG antibodies titers were measured 21−28 days after the first and second dose, three months after the second dose, 1−7 and 21−28 days after the third dose, before the fourth dose, and 21−28 days after the fourth dose. We recruited 112 subjects in a hospital in Mexico, 74% women, with an average age of 43 (SD 9) years. After the first dose, subjects had a median IgG AU/mL (IQR) of 122 (1904) that increased to 1875 (2095), 3020 (2330), and 4230 (3393) 21−28 days after the second, third, and fourth doses, respectively (p < 0.01). The number (%) who experienced any AEFI between the first and fourth doses was 90 (80.4), 89 (79), 65 (58), and 69 (61.5), respectively (p < 0.001). After the fourth dose, the most frequent of AEFI was pain at the injection site (87%). There was a correlation between AEFI and gender after the fourth dose, as well as with antibody levels (p < 0.05). During the Omicron outbreak, six (5.3%) had mild COVID-19 for 8−28 days after the fourth dose. The median increase in S1/S2 IgG was 30.8-fold after the fourth BNT162b2 dose when compared with the first dose and caused mild AEFI.

Effect of the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine on quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers in healthcare personnel.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is our main strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the decrease in quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers three months after the second BNT162b2 dose, healthcare workers received a third booster six months after completing the original protocol. This study aimed to analyze the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers and the safety of the third dose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study included healthcare workers who received a third booster six months after completing the BNT162b2 regimen. We assessed the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers 21-28 days after the first and second dose, three months after the completed protocol, 1-7 days following the third dose, and 21-28 days after booster administration. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 168 participants aged 41(10) years old, 67% of whom were female. The third dose was associated with an increase in quantitative antibody titers, regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 history. In cases with a negative SARS-CoV-2 history, the median (IQR) antibody titer values increased from 379 (645.4) to 2960 (2010) AU/ml, whereas in cases with a positive SARS-CoV-2 history, from 590 (1262) to 3090 (2080) AU/ml (p<0.001). The third dose caused a lower number of total (local and systemic) adverse events following immunization (AEFI) compared with the first two vaccines. However, in terms of specific symptoms such as fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, fever, and adenopathy, the proportion was higher in comparison with the first and second doses (p<0.05). The most common AEFI after the third BNT162b2 vaccine was pain at the injection site (n = 82, 84.5%), followed by fatigue (n = 45, 46.4%) of mild severity (n = 36, 37.1%). CONCLUSION: The third dose applied six months after the original BNT162b2 regimen increased the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers. The booster dose was well tolerated and caused no severe AEFI.

Effect of Heterologous Vaccination Regimen with Ad5-nCoV CanSinoBio and BNT162b2 Pfizer in SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies Titers.

The efficacy of one dose Ad5-nCoV has been concerning. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single dose BNT162b2 in individuals after a completed Ad5-nCoV vaccination regiment compared to a group without this boost measuring SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1−2 IgG antibodies in plasma. This observational study included a subgroup analysis of patients who were immunized with Ad5-nCoV in a northern city of Mexico. During follow-up, some patients self-reported having received a BNT162b2 booster. We report baseline IgG levels, 21−28 days after the Ad5-nCoV dose, three months, and an additional 21−28 days after BNT162b2 (four months after Ad5-nCoV). Seventeen patients, age 40 (16), 52.9% men, were analyzed. We created four groups: G1 and G2 refer to patients without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccinated with Ad5-nCoV and Ad5-nCoV/BNT162b2 (n = 4 and n = 6), respectively; G3 and G4 included patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunized with Ad5-nCoV and Ad5-nCoV/BNT162b2 (n = 5 and n = 2), respectively. The Ad5-nCoV/BNT162b2 protocol reported higher antibody titers after 21−28 days. Median (IQR) values were: G1 46.7 (-), G2 1077.5 (1901), G3 1158.5 (2673.5), and G4 2090 (-) (p < 0.05). Headache and pain at injection site were the most frequent adverse reactions associated with Ad5-nCoV (n = 10, 83%) and BNT162b2 (n = 5, 83.3%), respectively. Patients receiving BNT162b2 after Ad5-nCoV had higher SARS-CoV-2 spike 1−2 IgG antibody titers and had no severe adverse reactions.

Burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression and occupational well-being among Peru hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic / Síndrome de Burnout, ansiedad, depresión y bienestar laboral en personal hospitalario de Perú durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious consequences for the mental health of individuals, especially health care providers, who have experienced symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression that affect their personal, family and social lives. This situation has led health entities to evaluate the negative effects and to design interventions. Objective: To establish the relationship between burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression and work well-being, considering sociodemographic and work variables, including differences according to the type of work. Methods: The present study is non-causal, comparative, cross-sectional and prospective. The sampling was intentional non-probabilistic, with a total of 366 participants from three hospitals in Ancash (Peru) under COVID-19 conditions during the second wave. For the measurement of the variables, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Goldberg anxiety/depression subscales and the Sánchez-Cánovas work well-being subscales were used. Results: The results indicated multiple relationships among burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression and work well-being (p <0.05). Likewise, these relationships were also presented considering some sociodemographic and labor variables (p <0.05). Conclusions: The variables studied have a significant relationship in the health care personnel examined. Based on these findings, it is possible to have a baseline of the mental health of health personnel to plan interventions that emphasize those variables and groups at risk that require special attention(AU)

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha tenido graves consecuencias para la salud mental de las personas, especialmente de los profesionales de la salud, quienes han experimentado síntomas de estrés, ansiedad y depresión que afectan su vida personal, familiar y social. Esta situación ha llevado a las entidades de salud a evaluar los efectos negativos y diseñar intervenciones. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre el síndrome de Burnout, la ansiedad, la depresión y el bienestar laboral, considerando variables sociodemográficas y laborales, incluyendo diferencias según el tipo de trabajo. Métodos: El presente estudio es no causal, comparativo, transversal y prospectivo. El muestreo fue no probabilístico intencional, con un total de 366 participantes de tres hospitales de Ancash (Perú) en condiciones de COVID-19 durante la segunda ola. Para la medición de las variables se utilizaron el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach, las subescalas de ansiedad/depresión de Goldberg y las subescalas de bienestar laboral de Sánchez-Cánovas. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron múltiples relaciones entre síndrome de burnout, ansiedad, depresión y bienestar laboral (p<0,05). Asimismo, estas relaciones también se presentaron considerando algunas variables sociodemográficas y laborales (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Las variables estudiadas tienen una relación significativa en el personal sanitario examinado. Con base en estos hallazgos, es posible tener una línea de base de la salud mental del personal de salud para planificar intervenciones que enfaticen aquellas variables y grupos en riesgo que requieren atención especial(AU)

Síndrome de burnout y la satisfacción laboral en profesionales de la salud / Burnout syndrome and job satisfaction in health professionals

Objetivo: Determinar las relaciones funcionales entre el burnout y la satisfacción laboral de los profesionales de la salud de dos hospitales del Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, observacional, correlacional de corte transversal. De una población de 620 profesionales de la salud se encuestaron a 177 profesionales (médicos, odontólogos, químicos farmacéuticos, psicólogos, enfermeros, obstetras, tecnólogos médicos, nutricionistas y trabajadores sociales). Los instrumentos de medición utilizados fueron el inventario de burnout de Maslach (MBI) y la escala de satisfacción laboral (SL-SPC), cuyas propiedades psicométricas fueron adecuadas. Resultados: La tasa de prevalencia (TP) para el burnout alto fue 33,3 %. Mediante el análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, se encontró que existe relación significativa (AGFI = 0,946) y negativa (coeficiente estructural = -0,62) entre el burnout y la satisfacción laboral en los profesionales de la salud. La dimensión predominante del burnout fue la despersonalización (37 %=0,72/ (0,56+0,72+0,65); y el factor predominante de la satisfacción laboral fueron los beneficios económicos (35 %=0,99/ (0,67+0,99+0,48+0,66). Conclusiones: Existe relación funcional significativa y negativa entre el síndrome de burnout y la satisfacción laboral; el burnout es predictor de la satisfacción laboral. No se han encontrado diferencias significativas al comparar la tasa de prevalencia del burnout alto, según las variables sociodemográficas y laborales.

Objective: To estimate the functional relationships between burnout and job satisfaction in health professionals of two hospitals in Peru.Materials and methods: A quantitative, observational, correlational and cross-sectional research was carried out. Out of a study population of 620 health professionals, 177 (physicians, odontologists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, obstetricians, medical technologists, nutritionists and social workers) were interviewed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Job Satisfaction Scale (SL-SPC) were used as measuring instruments, showing adequate psychometric properties.Results: The high-burnout prevalence rate (TP) was 33.3 %. Using a structural equation analysis, a significant (AGFI = 0.946) and negative (structural coefficient = -0.62) relationship was found between burnout and job satisfaction in health professionals. The predominant dimension of burnout was depersonalization (37 % = 0.72 / (0.56 + 0.72 + 0.65)) and the predominant factor of job satisfaction was profits (35 % = 0.99 / (0.67 + 0.99 + 0.48 + 0.66)). Conclusions: There is a significant and negative functional relationship between burnout syndrome and job satisfaction. Burnout is a predictor of job satisfaction. No significant differences were found when comparing the high-burnout prevalence rate regarding the sociodemographic and work-related variables.

[Manometric characteristics in children with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal pathology]. / Características manométricas en niños con estreñimiento crónico ypatología anorrectal adquirida.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anorectal manometry results in the pediatric population with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of children who were referred to the Motility and Pelvic Floor Laboratory of the Hospital San Jose Tecnologico de Monterrey between 2004-2016 for further evaluation with anorectal manometry and who presented acquired anorectal disease. RESULTS: We reviewed 170 records. The mean age was 7.18 ± 4.51 years old. The prevalence of anorectal disease was 73%. The symptoms more frequently presented were difficult evacuation (78%), painful defecation (67%), large and hard stool (50%) and fecal soiling (49%). 44% of patients with hypotonic external anal sphincter (EAS) presented with soiling and 74% of those had diminished critical volume. Significant manometric values (p<0.05) were EAS resting pressure, maximal squeeze pressure, and critical volume. 97.7% of those who underwent abdomino pelvic coordination evaluation had pelvic floor dyssynergia (anismus). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to adult population, the manometric values in children with acquire anorectal pathology were within normal values except for the EAS resting pressure and critical volume that were diminished. This could suggest a different mechanism in the pediatric population. Pelvic floor dyssynergia could explain chronic constipation in these patients.

Características manométricas en niños con estreñimiento crónico y patología anorrectal adquirida / Manometric characteristics in children with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal pathology

Objetivos: Describir los resultados de las manometrías anorrectales (MAR) en pacientes pediátricos con estreñimiento crónico y patología anorrectal adquirida. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron los expedientes de pacientes pediátricos referidos entre 2004 y 2016 al Laboratorio de Motilidad Gastrointestinal del Hospital San José Tec de Monterrey para evaluación por manometría anorrectal y que presentaron patología anorrectal adquirida. Resultados: Se revisaron 170 expedientes. Edad 7,18 ± 4,51 años. La prevalencia de patología anorrectal (PA) fue de 73%. Síntomas con mayor incidencia: dificultad para evacuar (78%), dolor al evacuar (67%), heces duras (50%) e incontinencia fecal asociado (49%). El 44% de los pacientes con esfínter anal externo (EAE) hipotónico presentaron incontinencia y 74% estos últimos, presentaron menor volumen máximo tolerable (VMT). Los valores manométricos con mayor significancia: presión en reposo del EAE (promedio ± DE) 14,16 ± 10,19 en PA y de 26,08 ± 13,65 en SPA; presión en contracción del EAE 48,4 ± 34,1 en PA y 68,3 ± 37,7 en SPA; VMT 120,8 ± 60,4 en PA y de 173,2 ± 78,0 en SPA. El 97,97% de los pacientes en los que se evaluó la coordinación abdomino-pélvica tuvieron disinergia del piso pélvico. Conclusiones: A diferencia de la población adulta, los valores manométricos de niños con patología anorrectal se encontraron dentro de rangos normales excepto por el EAE y el VMT los cuales estuvieron disminuidos. Esto puede sugerir un mecanismo diferente en la población pediátrica. La disinergia del piso pélvico podría explicar el estreñimiento crónico en estos pacientes.

Objective: To describe the anorectal manometry results in the pediatric population with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal disease. Materials and methods: We reviewed the records of children who were referred to the Motility and Pelvic Floor Laboratory of the Hospital San Jose Tecnologico de Monterrey between 2004-2016 for further evaluation with anorectal manometry and who presented acquired anorectal disease. Results: We reviewed 170 records. The mean age was 7.18 ± 4.51 years old. The prevalence of anorectal disease was 73%. The symptoms more frequently presented were difficult evacuation (78%), painful defecation (67%), large and hard stool (50%) and fecal soiling (49%). 44% of patients with hypotonic external anal sphincter (EAS) presented with soiling and 74% of those had diminished critical volume. Significant manometric values (p<0.05) were EAS resting pressure, maximal squeeze pressure, and critical volume. 97.7% of those who underwent abdomino pelvic coordination evaluation had pelvic floor dyssynergia (anismus). Conclusions: Contrary to adult population, the manometric values in children with acquire anorectal pathology were within normal values except for the EAS resting pressure and critical volume that were diminished. This could suggest a different mechanism in the pediatric population. Pelvic floor dyssynergia could explain chronic constipation in these patients.

Multiple myeloma in the very old: an IASIA conference report.

Multiple myeloma (MM) in patients aged greater than 80 years poses an increasingly common challenge for oncology providers. A multidisciplinary workshop was held in which MM-focused hematologists/oncologists, geriatricians, and associated health-care team members discussed the state of research for MM therapy, as well as themes from geriatric medicine that pertain directly to this patient population. A summary statement of our discussions is presented here, in which we highlight several topics. MM disproportionately affects senior adults, and demographic trends indicate that this trend will accelerate. Complex issues impact cancer in seniors, and although factors such as social environment, comorbidities, and frailty have been well characterized in nononcological geriatric medicine, these themes have been inadequately explored in cancers such as MM, despite their clear relevance to this field. Therapeutically, novel agents have improved survival for MM patients of all ages, but less so for seniors than younger patients for a variety of reasons. Lastly, both MM- and treatment-related symptoms and toxicities require special attention in senior adults. Existing research provides limited insight into how best to manage these often complex patients, who are often not reflected in typical clinical trial populations. We hence offer suggestions for clinical trials that address knowledge gaps in how to manage very old and/or frail patients with MM, given the complicated issues that often surround this patient population.

Managing neutropenia in older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy in a community setting.

Older patients with cancer who may be more susceptible than younger patients to the myelosuppressive effects of chemotherapy undergo dose delays and reductions that can compromise treatment outcomes. Incidence of neutropenic complications and suboptimal chemotherapy delivery can be reduced with prophylactic colony-stimulating factors; however, their use in older patients with cancer has not been well studied. A randomized, multicenter, community-based trial was designed to compare prophylactic pegfilgrastim use (all cycles of chemotherapy) versus its more common reactive use (at clinicians' discretion) in patients aged 65 years or older with various cancers. Pegfilgrastim use in all cycles reduced the incidence of febrile neutropenia by about 60% and hospitalizations caused by neutropenia and febrile neutropenia by about 50% versus reactive pegfilgrastim use in later cycles. The study showed that older patients with cancer can be treated safely with optimal doses of chemotherapy with appropriate supportive care. Nurses, key collaborators in providing supportive care, can take an active role in identifying older patients who may benefit from pegfilgrastim in all cycles of chemotherapy.

Drugs on the web; the Psychonaut 2002 EU project.

PURPOSE: Only a few formal assessments of websites with drug-related contents have been carried out. We aimed here at fostering collection and analysis of data from web pages related to information on consumption, manufacture and sales of psychoactive substances. GENERAL METHODS: An 8-language, two-engine, assessment of the information available in a purposeful sample of 1633 unique websites was carried out. FINDINGS: A pro-drug and a harm reduction approach were evident, respectively, in 18% and 10% of websites accessed. About 1 in 10 websites offered either psychoactive compounds for sale or detailed data on drugs' synthesis/extraction procedures. Information on a number of psychoactive substances and on unusual drugs' combinations not found in the Medline was elicited. CONCLUSIONS: This represents the first review which is both comprehensive and multilingual of the online available information on psychoactive compounds. Health professionals may need to be aware of the web being a new drug resource for information and possibly purchase.