[Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with melanoma]. / La técnica del ganglio centinela en pacientes con melanoma.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of melanoma is currently increasing worldwide. One of the factors influencing disease prognosis is the presence of regional lymph node metastases. Sentinel lymph node biopsy attempts to identify subclinical lymph node metastasis as a prognostic factor in the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze differences between patients with melanoma for whom positive or negative results were obtained in sentinel lymph node biopsy and to assess the impact of the technique on disease prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sentinel lymph node biopsy was carried out in patients with melanoma of the following characteristics: Breslow thickness > or =1mm, Breslow thickness <1mm with ulceration, Clark level IV-V, or regression. Lymphadenectomy was performed in patients with positive sentinel node biopsy. Data were also collected on the following variables: sex, age, skin phototype, site and type of melanoma, Breslow depth, Clark level, ulceration, regression, cancer stage at diagnosis, TNM classification, change in cancer stage during follow-up, and death due to melanoma. RESULTS: Positive sentinel node biopsies were recorded in 19.44% of patients. Positive results were associated with the following variables: nodular melanoma (crude odds ratio [ORc] compared with superficial spreading melanoma, 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-8.90); Breslow thickness >2.0, for a thickness of 2.1-4.0 (ORc, 21.12; 95% CI, 2.60-172.03) and for a thickness >4.0 (ORc, 23.25; 95% CI, 2.44-221.73); Clark level IV (ORc, 8.73; 95% CI, 1.03-74.12); ulceration (ORc, 4.86; 95% CI, 1.58-14.90); T3 (ORc, 4.20; 95% CI, 1.52-11.63) and T4 (ORc, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.27-17.15) in the TNM classification; change in cancer stage during follow-up (ORc, 7.20; 95% CI, 2.25-22.99); and death due to melanoma (ORc, 8.67; 95% CI, 3.62-96.15). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the prognostic importance of sentinel lymph node biopsy, which facilitates identification of patients with a greater tendency towards disease progression and death due to melanoma.

La técnica del ganglio centinela en pacientes con melanoma / Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients With Melanoma

Material y métodos: Se realizó biopsia del ganglio centinela a los pacientes con melanomas de espesor Breslow ≥1mm o con Breslow <1mm y ulceración, nivel de Clark IV–V o regresión. Aquellos con biopsia positiva fueron sometidos a linfadenectomía.Material y métodos: Además, se recogieron las siguientes variables: sexo, edad, fototipo, localización y tipo de melanoma, niveles Breslow y Clark, ulceración, regresión, estadio inicial, TNM, cambio de estadio y fallecimiento por melanoma. Resultados: El 19,44% de los pacientes presentó ganglios positivos. Esta positividad se presentó asociada con el melanoma nodular (odds ratio cruda [ORc]: 3,44; intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%]: 1,33–8,90) con respecto al melanoma de extensión superficial Breslow superior a 2,0 (nivel 2,1–4,0: ORc: 21,14; IC 95%: 2,60–172,03, nivel >4,0: ORc: 23,25; IC 95%: 2,44–221,73), nivel Clark IV (ORc: 8,73; IC 95% 1,03–74,12), ulceración (ORc: 4,86; IC 95%: 1,58–14,90), estadios T3 y T4 (T3: ORc: 4,20; IC 95%: 1,52–11,63; T4: ORc: 4,67; IC 95% 1,27–17,15), cambio de estadio (ORc: 7,20; IC 95%: 2,25–22,99) y fallecimiento por melanoma (ORc: 8,67; IC 95%: 3,62–96,15). Conclusiones: Estos resultados confirman la importancia pronóstica de la biopsia del ganglio centinela, que permite identificar a los pacientes con mayor tendencia a la progresión de la enfermedad y fallecimiento por melanoma (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The incidence of melanoma is currently increasing worldwide. One of the factors influencing disease prognosis is the presence of regional lymph node metastases. Sentinel lymph node biopsy attempts to identify subclinical lymph node metastasis as a prognostic factor in the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze differences between patients with melanoma for whom positive or negative results were obtained in sentinel lymph node biopsy and to assess the impact of the technique on disease prognosis. Material and methods: Sentinel lymph node biopsy was carried out in patients with melanoma of the following characteristics: Breslow thickness ≥1mm, Breslow thickness <1mm with ulceration, Clark level IV–V, or regression. Lymphadenectomy was performed in patients with positive sentinel node biopsy. Data were also collected on the following variables: sex, age, skin phototype, site and type of melanoma, Breslow depth, Clark level, ulceration, regression, cancer stage at diagnosis, TNM classification, change in cancer stage during follow-up, and death due to melanoma. Results: Positive sentinel node biopsies were recorded in 19.44% of patients. Positive results were associated with the following variables: nodular melanoma (crude odds ratio [ORc] compared with superficial spreading melanoma, 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–8.90); Breslow thickness >2.0, for a thickness of 2.1–4.0 (ORc, 21.12; 95% CI, 2.60–172.03) and for a thickness >4.0 (ORc, 23.25; 95% CI, 2.44–221.73); Clark level IV (ORc, 8.73; 95% CI, 1.03–74.12); ulceration (ORc, 4.86; 95% CI, 1.58–14.90); T3 (ORc, 4.20; 95% CI, 1.52–11.63) and T4 (ORc, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.27–17.15) in the TNM classification; change in cancer stage during follow-up (ORc, 7.20; 95% CI, 2.25–22.99); and death due to melanoma (ORc, 8.67; 95% CI, 3.62–96.15). Conclusions: These results confirm the prognostic importance of sentinel lymph node biopsy (AU)

Diet and prevalence of atopic eczema in 6 to 7-year-old schoolchildren in Spain: ISAAC phase III.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin disease, has increased substantially in recent decades, and different factors have been implicated in its etiology. Although dietary habits are being investigated, few conclusive findings have been reported. Nevertheless, increased consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a diet poor in antioxidants have been related to AD. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between AD, the intake of different foods, and the effect of a Mediterranean diet among Spanish schoolchildren aged 6 to 7. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 20 106 schoolchildren aged 6-7 years from 10 different areas of Spain. The participation rate was 76.50%. The prevalence of AD was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and the criteria of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology. To calculate the Mediterranean diet score, we classified food into 2 groups: Mediterranean food, including fruit, seafood, vegetables, pulses, cereals, pasta, rice, and potatoes; and non-Mediterranean food, including meat, milk, and fast food. RESULTS: Milk was negatively associated with AD. Butter and nuts also were negatively associated, although statistical significance was only reached when these foods were consumed 3 or more times a week. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between the Mediterranean diet score and AD and a positive association between AD and obesity.

Características de los recién nacidos tras fecundación in vitro / Birth characteristics due to in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques

Objetivo: determinar en una unidad neonatal de nivel II la frecuencia de nacimientos tras fecundación in vitro (FIV) incluyendo FIV-ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) y comparar sus características con los de fecundación natural (FN), según sean gemelares o únicos. Pacientes y método: estudio prospectivo mediante revisiones fetales desde la semana 12 de gestación tras FIV, al nacer y al año de vida. Del 1 de enero de 2004 al 31 de marzo de 2007 nacieron 7.008 recién nacidos (RN), 113 tras FIV y 6.895 por FN. Resultados: la gemelaridad es del 2,4% en FN y el 56,6% en FIV (p<0,001). La edad materna media en únicos es 28±9 años en FN y 36±4 en FIV (p<0,05); en gemelares es 29±10 años en FN y 35±4 en FIV (p<0,05). La edad gestacional media en únicos es 38±4 semanas en FN y 39±2 en FIV y 36±1 semanas en gemelares FN y FIV. La tasa de prematuridad (<37 semanas) y la de bajo peso (<2.500g) no difiere estadísticamente entre únicos y gemelares FN y FIV. El 23,13% de los únicos FN y el 51,02% de los únicos FIV nacieron por cesárea (p<0,001), pero la diferencia entre gemelares FN (71,42%) y FIV (79,69%) no es estadísticamente significativa. El 5,3% de los RN vivos FIV y el 1,1% de los FN nacieron con defectos congénitos (p<0,002). El riesgo relativo (RR) de defectos congénitos de los FIV frente a los FN es 4,83 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2,14-10,83). Conclusiones: si se comparan según número de fetos, los FIV suponen el 1,61% de los RN, difieren de los FN en edad materna, gemelaridad, cesáreas (únicos) y defectos congénitos, pero no en prematuridad ni bajo peso (AU)

Objective: To determine the number of deliveries after 31 weeks gestation (w), from in vitro fertilization (IVF), including Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and to compare characteristics with those achieved by natural fertilization (NF). We analyse twin and singleton pregnancies separately. Patients and method: This descriptive and prospective study monitors children from foetus, from 12 weeks after IVF, to 12 months of age, including the newborn period. There were 7008 newborns between 1st January 2004 and 31st March 2007 of which there were 113 from IVF and 6895 from NF. Results: Twin-pregnancies in NF is 2.4%, whereas in IVF it is 56.6%, (p<0.001). Mean mother age is 28±9 years (y) in NF and 36±4y in IVF singletons (p<0.05), and 29±10 y in NF and 35±4 y in IVF twins (p<0.05). Mean gestational age is 38±4 w and 39±2w in NF and IVF singletons and 36±1 w in NF and IVF twins. No statistically significant differences were found in prematurity rate (<37 w) and low birth weight (< 2500g) between singletons and twins from IVF or NF. Caesarean sections were 23.13% and 51.02% from singleton NF and IVF (p<0.001). No statistically differences were found between twins NF (71.42%) and IVF (79.69%). Malformations at birth were observed in 5.3% of IVF and in 1.1% of NF newborns (p<0.002). Relative risk of malformations (RR) IVF versus NF is 4.83 (95% CI, 2.14-10.83). Conclusions: Only 1.61% of newborns comes from IVF techniques. There are significant differences in age of mother, twin- pregnancies, caesarean sections (singletons) and congenital defects between them and NF newborns. There were no differences found in prematurity and low birth weight between them and NF newborns, when compared by number of foetus (AU)

[Birth characteristics due to in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques]. / Características de los recién nacidos tras fecundación in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of deliveries after 31 weeks gestation (w), from in vitro fertilization (IVF), including Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and to compare characteristics with those achieved by natural fertilization (NF). We analyse twin and singleton pregnancies separately. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This descriptive and prospective study monitors children from foetus, from 12 weeks after IVF, to 12 months of age, including the newborn period. There were 7008 newborns between 1st January 2004 and 31st March 2007 of which there were 113 from IVF and 6895 from NF. RESULTS: Twin-pregnancies in NF is 2.4%, whereas in IVF it is 56.6%, (p<0.001). Mean mother age is 28+/-9 years (y) in NF and 36+/-4y in IVF singletons (p<0.05), and 29+/-10 y in NF and 35+/-4 y in IVF twins (p<0.05). Mean gestational age is 38+/-4 w and 39+/-2w in NF and IVF singletons and 36+/-1 w in NF and IVF twins. No statistically significant differences were found in prematurity rate (<37 w) and low birth weight (< 2500g) between singletons and twins from IVF or NF. Caesarean sections were 23.13% and 51.02% from singleton NF and IVF (p<0.001). No statistically differences were found between twins NF (71.42%) and IVF (79.69%). Malformations at birth were observed in 5.3% of IVF and in 1.1% of NF newborns (p<0.002). Relative risk of malformations (RR) IVF versus NF is 4.83 (95% CI, 2.14-10.83). CONCLUSIONS: Only 1.61% of newborns comes from IVF techniques. There are significant differences in age of mother, twin- pregnancies, caesarean sections (singletons) and congenital defects between them and NF newborns. There were no differences found in prematurity and low birth weight between them and NF newborns, when compared by number of foetus.

Parents’ smoking habit and prevalence of atopic eczema in 6-7 and 13-14 year-old schoolchildren in Spain. ISAAC Phase III

Background and aims: Atopic eczema (AE) is the most frequent inflammatory skin disease in childhood in the western world. Several studies have reported a significant increase of prevalence in recent decades and the environmental factors implicatedin its a etiology, including environmental tobacco smoke.This study aims to investigate the possible association of AE prevalence in Spanish school children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years in relation to their parents’smoking habits. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with 6-7 year-old (n = 27805) and 13-14 year-old (n = 31235) school children from10 Spanish centres. AE prevalence was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, and the Spanish Academy of Dermatology criteria, used in Spain to diagnose AE. Results: An association was found in school children aged 6-7 (adjusted for gender, presence of asthma, presence of rhinitis, siblings and mother’s level of education) between AE being clinically diagnosed with the mother’s smoking habit (RPRa 1.40,1.10-1.78) and there being more than 2 smokers at home (RPRa 1.34, 1.01-1.78). Regarding the presence of itchy rash, an association was observed with fathers who smoke (RPRa 1.40, 1.13-1.72). Among the 13-14 year-olds, no association was observed in relation to either clinically diagnosed AE or the appearance of itchy rash with parents’ smoking habit. Conclusions: Our results indicate the risk for children of being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke in terms of AE, especially when they are younger

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Parents' smoking habit and prevalence of atopic eczema in 6-7 and 13-14 year-old schoolchildren in Spain. ISAAC phase III.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atopic eczema (AE) is the most frequent inflammatory skin disease in childhood in the western world. Several studies have reported a significant increase of prevalence in recent decades and the environmental factors implicated in its aetiology, including environmental tobacco smoke. This study aims to investigate the possible association of AE prevalence in Spanish schoolchildren aged 6-7 and 13-14 years in relation to their parents' smoking habits. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with 6-7 year-old (n = 27805) and 13-14 year-old (n = 31235) schoolchildren from 10 Spanish centres. AE prevalence was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, and the Spanish Academy of Dermatology criteria, used in Spain to diagnose AE. RESULTS: An association was found in school-children aged 6-7 (adjusted for gender, presence of asthma, presence of rhinitis, siblings and mother's level of education) between AE being clinically diagnosed with the mother's smoking habit (RPRa 1.40, 1.10-1.78) and there being more than 2 smokers at home (RPRa 1.34, 1.01-1.78). Regarding the presence of itchy rash, an association was observed with fathers who smoke (RPRa 1.40, 1.13-1.72). Among the 13-14 year-olds, no association was observed in relation to either clinically diagnosed AE or the appearance of itchy rash with parents' smoking habit. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate the risk for children of being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke in terms of AE, especially when they are younger.