Candida bloodstream infection in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics and mortality of patients with Candida bloodstream infection and systemic autoimmune diseases. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter study of candidemia in adults with systemic autoimmune diseases between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: Among 1040 patients with candidemia, 36 (3.5%) had a systemic autoimmune disease. The most common systemic autoimmune disease was rheumatoid arthritis (27.8%). The most common species was Candida albicans (66.7%). Twenty-two (61.1%) patients received a corticosteroid therapy and nine (25%) received an immunosuppressive therapy at the time of candidemia. The mortality rate was 27.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic autoimmune diseases are not common in patients with candidemia. The unadjusted mortality rate was comparable to other candidemia studies in the general population.

The updated Charlson comorbidity index is a useful predictor of mortality in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.

The objective was to compare the performance of the updated Charlson comorbidity index (uCCI) and classical CCI (cCCI) in predicting 30-day mortality in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB). All cases of SAB in patients aged ⩾14 years identified at the Microbiology Unit were included prospectively and followed. Comorbidity was evaluated using the cCCI and uCCI. Relevant variables associated with SAB-related mortality, along with cCCI or uCCI scores, were entered into multivariate logistic regression models. Global model fit, model calibration and predictive validity of each model were evaluated and compared. In total, 257 episodes of SAB in 239 patients were included (mean age 74 years; 65% were male). The mean cCCI and uCCI scores were 3.6 (standard deviation, 2.4) and 2.9 (2.3), respectively; 161 (63%) cases had cCCI score ⩾3 and 89 (35%) cases had uCCI score ⩾4. Sixty-five (25%) patients died within 30 days. The cCCI score was not related to mortality in any model, but uCCI score ⩾4 was an independent factor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.74). The uCCI is a more up-to-date, refined and parsimonious prognostic mortality score than the cCCI; it may thus serve better than the latter in the identification of patients with SAB with worse prognoses.

Comparison of functional results of two fixation systems using single-row suturing of rotator cuff. / Comparación de resultados funcionales en 2 sistemas de fijación mediante hilera simple en sutura de manguito rotador.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff disorders is a technically demanding but successful procedure. Many anchor and suture alternatives are now available. The choice of the implant by the surgeon is less important than the configuration of the suture used to fix the tendon, however it is necessary to know if there are differences in the results, using each one of them. The aim of the study is to evaluate if there are differences between the knotted and non-knotted implant in terms of functional and satisfaction results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on 83 patients operated between 2010 and 2014 in our center using 2anchoring systems with and without knotting (39 versus 44 patients respectively), with single row in complete rupture of the rotator cuff. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, an average score was obtained on the Constant scale of 74.6 points. 98% of the patients considered the result of the surgery satisfactory. Statistically, there were no significant differences between the 2groups in terms of functionality, satisfaction or reincorporation to activities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The functional results of the single-row cuff suture are satisfactory, although biomechanical studies show advantages in favor of sutures that reproduce a transoseo system. It our series of patients the presence of knotting does not show per se a significant functional difference being both superimposable techniques in absolute values of functionality and patient satisfaction.

[Initial hemoglobin value as a predictor of allogeneic blood transfusion in hip fracture]. / Valor de la hemoglobina al ingreso como predictor de transfusión de sangre alogénica en fractura de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is a cause of major morbidity and mortality and is often associated with high blood transfusion rate, non-complication-free therapy. The objective of the study is to evaluate the factors dependent and independent of the transfusional act, as well as to elaborate an algorithm that allows us to make a decision making based on a statistical model rationalizing the use of blood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study on 100 patients older than 65 years intervened for hip fracture consecutively. We analyzed demographic data, drug taking, comorbidity, pre- and postoperative analytics, type of fracture and those related to surgery valuing uni- and bivariate determinants of the Transfusional Act to control the possible bias of confusion. RESULTS: Following the application of the bivariate logistic regression model only the HB at the admission (p = 0.04, or = 0.451) and the type of fracture (p = 0.003, or = 5.479) were considered associated with the transfusion act. The value of initial HB generates a ROC curve with an area under the curve of 0.848, acceptable to assess the probability of transfusion. An initial HB value lower of 12.15 g/dl will predict the transfusion with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 85%. CONCLUSION: The presence of preoperative anemia and extracapsular hip fractures generate a high risk of transfusion need, while it is unlikely in intracapsular fractures without anemia at admission. In our series there is an analytical value that predicts satisfactorily 80% of blood transfusions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fractura de cadera es una causa de importante morbimortalidad y a menudo se asocia a una elevada tasa de transfusión sanguínea, terapia no exenta de complicaciones. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los factores dependientes e independientes del acto transfusional, así como elaborar un algoritmo que nos permita realizar una toma de decisiones basada en un modelo estadístico racionalizando el empleo de sangre alogénica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo sobre 100 pacientes mayores de 65 años intervenidos por fractura de cadera de forma consecutiva. Se analizaron datos demográficos, toma de fármacos, comorbilidad, analítica pre- y postoperatoria, tipo de fractura y los relativos a la cirugía valorando de forma uni- y bivariada los factores determinantes del acto transfusional para controlar el posible sesgo de confusión. RESULTADOS: Tras la aplicación del modelo bivariante de regresión logística sólo la Hb al ingreso (p = 0.04, OR = 0.451) y el tipo de fractura (p = 0.003, OR = 5.479) se consideraron asociadas al acto transfusional. El valor de la Hb al ingreso genera una curva ROC con un área bajo la curva de 0.848, aceptable para valorar la probabilidad de transfusión. Un valor de Hb al ingreso inferior a 12.15 g/dl predeciría de forma correcta la transfusión con una sensibilidad de 80% y una especificidad de 85 %. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de anemia preoperatoria y la fractura extracapsular de cadera generan un alto riesgo de necesidad transfusional, mientras que es improbable en fracturas intracapsulares sin anemia al ingreso. En nuestra serie existe un valor analítico que predice de forma satisfactoria 80% de las transfusiones sanguíneas.

Resultados de un implante de poliuretano para el tratamiento del dolor persistente de rodilla tras meniscectomía parcial con un mínimo de dos años de seguimiento / Results of polyurethane implant for persistent knee pain after partial meniscectomy with a minimum of two years follow-up

Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados de un implante de poliuretano en 10 pacientes con dolor persistente tras meniscectomía parcial. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo descriptivo de 10 pacientes que fueron intervenidos para colocación artroscópica de un implante meniscal de poliuretano. Se realizó evaluación funcional, de resonancia magnética y radiología simple antes de la intervención, a los 6 meses, un año, y en el seguimiento final con un mínimo de dos años. La evaluación clínica incluyó las escalas de Lysholm, KOOS y EVA. En resonancia magnética (RM) se evaluó la morfología y la intensidad de la señal del implante según los criterios de Genovese et al. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la media de puntuación de Lysholm antes de la cirugía (63,5 puntos), a los 6 meses (76,8 puntos) (p = 0,001), al año (83,3 puntos) (p < 0,001) y al final del seguimiento (84,4 puntos) (p < 0,001). En la puntuación del KOOS se hallaron diferencias significativas entre las medias en el preoperatorio (64,23 puntos) y 6 meses (73,66 puntos) (p = 0,001), un año (81,39 puntos) (p < 0,001) y el seguimiento final (83,34 puntos) (p < 0,001). Los valores promedio de la EVA fueron de 5,7 puntos en el preoperatorio, 3,6 puntos a los 6 meses (p < 0,001), 1,9 puntos al año (p < 0,001) y 1,9 puntos al final del seguimiento (p < 0,001). La radiología mostró cambios degenerativos en un caso. En la RM, el tamaño del implante y la intensidad de la señal de RM disminuyeron progresivamente, no llegando a alcanzar nunca los de un menisco normal. Conclusiones. Veinticuatro meses después de la cirugía se ha encontrado una mejora significativa en todos los parámetros clínicos, salvo en un paciente que precisó reintervención. El tamaño del implante se redujo y en ningún caso se alcanzó una imagen de RM similar a la de un menisco normal. El procedimiento demostró ser seguro y útil para el tratamiento del dolor persistente tras meniscectomía (AU)

Purpose. To present the results of a polyurethane meniscal scaffold implant in 10 patients with persistent pain after meniscectomy. Methods. Prospective, descriptive study of ten patients who underwent arthroscopic implantation of a polyurethane meniscal scaffold. Functional, MRI, and radiography assessment was performed pre-operatively and at 6-months, 1-year, and a final follow-up at a minimum of two years. Clinical evaluation included Lysholm score, KOOS and VAS. The MRI morphology and signal intensity of the implant were evaluated according to the criteria of Genovese et al. Results. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean Lysholm score before surgery (63.5 points), and that at 6 months (76.8 points) (p = .001), one year (83.3 points) (p < .001) and final follow-up (84.4 points) (p < .001). KOOS showed significant differences between before surgery (64.23 points), 6 months (73.66 points) (p = .001), one year (81.39 points) (p < .001) and final follow-up (83.34 points) (p < .001). The mean values for VAS were 5.7 points in the pre-operative evaluation, 3.6 points at 6 months-follow-up (p < .001), 1.9 points at one year (p < .001), and 1.9 points at final follow-up (p < .001). Radiology showed degenerative changes in one case. In MRI, the size of the implant and the intensity of the MRI signal gradually decreased, but it never changed to that of a normal meniscus. Conclusion. A significant improvement was found in all the clinical parameters 24 months after the surgery, except in one patient who underwent furher surgery. The scaffold reduced its size and but never achieved an MRI image similar to that of a normal meniscus (AU)

The procedure proved to be safe and useful for the treatment of persistent pain after meniscectomy (AU)

[Results of polyurethane implant for persistent knee pain after partial meniscectomy with a minimum of two years follow-up]. / Resultados de un implante de poliuretano para el tratamiento del dolor persistente de rodilla tras meniscectomía parcial con un mínimo de dos años de seguimiento.

PURPOSE: To present the results of a polyurethane meniscal scaffold implant in 10 patients with persistent pain after meniscectomy. METHODS: Prospective, descriptive study of ten patients who underwent arthroscopic implantation of a polyurethane meniscal scaffold. Functional, MRI, and radiography assessment was performed pre-operatively and at 6-months, 1-year, and a final follow-up at a minimum of two years. Clinical evaluation included Lysholm score, KOOS and VAS. The MRI morphology and signal intensity of the implant were evaluated according to the criteria of Genovese et al. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the mean Lysholm score before surgery (63.5 points), and that at 6 months (76.8 points) (p=.001), one year (83.3 points) (p<.001) and final follow-up (84.4 points) (p<.001). KOOS showed significant differences between before surgery (64.23 points), 6 months (73.66 points) (p=.001), one year (81.39 points) (p<.001) and final follow-up (83.34 points) (p<.001). The mean values for VAS were 5.7 points in the pre-operative evaluation, 3.6 points at 6 months-follow-up (p<.001), 1.9 points at one year (p<.001), and 1.9 points at final follow-up (p<.001). Radiology showed degenerative changes in one case. In MRI, the size of the implant and the intensity of the MRI signal gradually decreased, but it never changed to that of a normal meniscus. CONCLUSION: A significant improvement was found in all the clinical parameters 24 months after the surgery, except in one patient who underwent furher surgery. The scaffold reduced its size and but never achieved an MRI image similar to that of a normal meniscus. The procedure proved to be safe and useful for the treatment of persistent pain after meniscectomy.

Loss of heterozygosity of TP53 is not correlated with clinicopathological variables in sporadic colorectal carcinomas.

We have analyzed the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of TP53 in a series of 96 sporadic colorectal carcinomas by means of PCR, using two microsatellite sequences (TP53 and Mfd152), to investigate its possible relationship with several clinicopathological variables in the Spanish population. Forty six of the 96 patients (48%) showed loss of one allele of the microsatellite TP53, Mfd152 or both, when compared with normal colorectal mucosae and blood samples of the same patient. This high percentage of LOH seems to corroborate the important role of p53 in sporadic colorectal cancer. However, we have found that LOH on this region is independent of histological grade and tumour location. With regard to tumour Dukes' stage, the fact that a substantial proportion of tumours show LOH on 17p from the first stages of the disease could imply that this alteration is not related with the invasiveness acquisition staging.