Diagnóstico de divertículo de Meckel mediante cápsula endoscópica / Diagnose of Meckel's diverticulum through endoscopic capsule

Meckel's diverticulum can be present in up to 1.2% of the population. It is usually diagnosed as an imaging finding, but it can present with complications such as digestive bleeding, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcers, and perforation, more frequently in childhood or infancy. The diagnosis workup for this condition will depend on their clinical manifestation, the most frequent being gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin or small intestinal bleeding. In this context, although capsule endoscopy is the preferred technique, its diagnostic yield for the detection of Meckel's diverticulum is not entirely clear and it has not been compared in a controlled studies with other diagnostic methods. Here we report the diagnosis of a Meckel diverticulum and its intestinal complications by means of capsule endoscopy in a patient with iron deficiency anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding

El divertículo de Meckel puede estar presente en el 1,2% de la población general. Usualmente es diagnosticado como un hallazgo, pero puede presentarse con mayor frecuencia en la niñez o infancia por sus complicaciones como hemorragia digestiva, obstrucción intestinal, diverticulitis, úlceras y perforación. El enfrentamiento diagnóstico de esta condición dependerá de la manifestación clínica, siendo lo más frecuente hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro o de intestino delgado. En este contexto, si bien la cápsula endoscópica es la técnica de elección, su rendimiento diagnóstico para la detección del divertículo de Meckel no es del todo claro y no ha sido comparado de forma controlada con otras técnicas diagnósticas. En el presente caso se reporta el diagnóstico de un divertículo de Meckel y sus complicaciones intestinales mediante cápsula endoscópica en una paciente con anemia ferropriva y hemorragia digestiva.

Immunohistochemical analysis of sensory corpuscles in human transplants of the anterior cruciate ligament.

BACKGROUND: Sensory nerve endings in ligaments play an important role for the proprioceptive function. Clinical trials show that the sense of body position does not fully recover in the knee joint after reconstructive surgery of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The aim of this study is to identify sensory corpuscles in autogenous and allogenous transplants of the ligament and to compare their quantity between the used allografts and autografts. METHODS: Thirty-three patients were included in this study. Three patellar tendon allografts, 14 patellar tendon autografts and 12 semitendinosus autografts were harvested during revision surgery after traumatic rerupture of the graft. The control consisted of 4 healthy anterior cruciate ligaments after fresh rupture. After haematoxylin staining, immunohistochemical analysis was performed using antibodies against S100, p75 and PGP9.5. Microscopical examination was carried out, and the number of mechanoreceptors was counted. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Two types of mechanoreceptors were identified in each graft: Ruffini corpuscles and free nerve endings. The number of Ruffini corpuscles per square centimeter was the highest in the control. Comparing the grafts, the highest number of receptors could be detected in the semitendinosus autograft. The amount of free nerve endings was higher in the semitendinosus and patellar tendon autografts than in the control; the allografts showed the lowest number of receptors. With increasing time after reconstruction, the number of both types of receptors showed a decrease in the semitendinosus graft, whereas it increased in the patellar tendon graft and allograft. The number of mechanoreceptors in the semitendinosus and patellar tendon graft decreased over time after graft-failure, whereas it increased slightly in the allograft. CONCLUSION: This study was the first to identify mechanoreceptors in human transplants of the anterior cruciate ligament. The partial increase in the number of receptors over time after reconstruction could indicate a reinnervation of the grafts.

Validación de Sensibacter pylori test® como prueba de ureasa para el diagnóstico de infección por Helicobacter pylori en Chile / Validation of Sensibacter pylori test ® as urease tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chile

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a highly prevalent bacterium in Chile that causes various gastric pathologies including gastric cancer, which corresponds to the leading cause of cancer-related death in Chile in men. This is why early detection of an Helicobacter pylori infection is gaining importance, for tis purpose there are various diagnostic methods, including rapid urease tests (RUT) such as the Sensibacter pylori test®. Objectives: To validate the Sensibacter pylori test® in Chile, so that it may be used in healthcare centres in our country. Materials and Methods: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed on symptomatic patients in 3 healthcare centres and gastric mucosa samples were obtained following established protocols. These underwent the health centre ́s RUT and the Sensibacter pylori test®, and the results were compared to the gastric mucosa histology (gold standard) Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each test. Kappa test was used to assess agreement between the RUT’s and the turning time of each test was measured. Results: Sensibacter pylori test® showed a sensitivity of 82.6 percent, specificity 92.3 percent, PPV 95 percent and NPV 75 percent. The consistency with the other RUT’s was 0.958 (p < 0.001) and 0.872 (p < 0.001). The turning time was 15 min. Conclusion: Sensibacter pylori test® is a sensitive and specific method, similar to other tests used daily in Chile, which has the advantage of yielding results within a few minutes.

Introducción: Helicobacter pylori es una bacteria de gran prevalencia en Chile y es causante de variadas patologías gástricas, entre las cuales se encuentra el cáncer gástrico, que corresponde a la primera causa de muerte por cáncer en Chile en hombres. Por esto, cobra relevancia detectar a tiempo la existencia de Helicobacter pylori, para lo cual existen diversos métodos diagnósticos, entre los que se encuentran los test rápidos de ureasa (TRU) como Sensibacter pylori test®. Objetivos: Validar Sensibacter pylori test® en Chile, para poder ser utilizado en centros de salud de nuestro país. Materiales y Métodos:Se realizaron endoscopias digestivas altas a pacientes sintomáticos en tres centros de salud y se obtuvieron muestras de mucosa gástrica según protocolos establecidos. Estas se sometieron al TRU del centro de salud y a Sensibacter pylori test®, comparándose el resultado con histología de la mucosa gástrica (estándar de oro), calculándose sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN). Se utilizó test kappapara evaluar concordancia entre TRU y se midió el tiempo de viraje de cada test. Resultados: Sensibacter pylori test® demostró una sensibilidad de 82,6 por ciento, especificidad de 92,3 por ciento, VPP de 95 por ciento y VPN de 75 por ciento. La concordancia con los otros TRUs fue de 0,958 (p < 0,001) y 0,872 (p < 0,001). El tiempo de viraje fue de 15 min. Conclusión: Sensibacter pylori test® es un método sensible y específico comparable con otros test de uso diario en Chile, y tiene la ventaja de mostrar resultados en pocos minutos.

Aumento de detección de lesiones gástricas premalignas mediante protocolo Sydney en comparación con biopsias no protocolizadas / Increased detection of premalignant gastric lesions through Sydney protocol in comparison with non-protocolized gastric biopsies

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Chile. The development ofgastric adenocarcinoma its preceded by a histopathologic cascade composed of gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and gastric dysplasia. Sydney protocol has been proposed as the standard method for diagnosingthese conditions. The aim of this research study was to establish whether Sydney protocol increase thedetection of premalignant gastric lesions, as gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, compared to non protocolizedendoscopies/biopsies. Methods: Upper gastroduodenal endoscopies (GDE) from Hospital Clí-nico Universidad Católica de Chile between April-May 2015 and April-May 2016 was analyzed. Patientswith histological study with 18 years-old or older were included. Patients with history of GC or malignantlesions at GDE where excluded. Detection of gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and suggestive findingsof autoimmune gastritis where compared between Sydney protocol and non-protocolized endoscopies/biopsies...

Introducción: El cáncer gástrico (CG) es la principal causa de muertes por cáncer en Chile. El desarrollo del adenocarcinoma gástrico es precedido por una cascada histopatológica (gastritis; atrofia gástrica/AG; metaplasia intestinal/MI). Se ha propuesto la biopsia del cuerpo, ángulo y antro a través del protocolo de Sydney para la búsqueda de estas condiciones. Objetivo: Determinar la diferencia en la detección delesiones premalignas gástricas a través del protocolo de Sydney comparado con el estudio endoscópico habitual. Métodos: Se analizaron las endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) realizadas en el Centro de Endoscopia Digestiva del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica en los períodos entre abril y mayo del 2015 y 2016. Se incluyeron las EDA de pacientes mayores de 18 años con estudio histológico. Fueron excluidos los pacientes con antecedente personal de CG o lesiones de aspecto maligno macroscópicas. Se comparó la detección de AG, MI y gastritis autoinmune (GA) en el estudio histológico entre los pacientes con protocolo Sydney y el estudio endoscópico no protocolizado...

Validez y confiabilidad de una escala de clasificación de limpieza gástrica en endoscopia digestiva alta en población chilena / Validity and reliability of a gastric cleansing scale in upper endoscopyin chilean population

The presence of foam and bubbles during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) obscures the view of gastric lesions. Objective: To assess the confidence of a gastric cleansing scale in UGE. Methods: Prospective, multicenter study. The instrument was administered to patients undergoing a UGE examination. For the gastric visualization scale, the stomach was divided in 4 parts and a 1-4 scale was used to classify each part, with a total score of 4 (optimal view of gastric mucosa) and 16 (poor view of gastric mucosa), assessed by 2 independent endoscopists. An initial cleansing score was obtained and later, after cleansing of each studied section, and total. Inter-observer concordance was established by means of Kappa test, and the agreement on the global cleansing score was established with the Bland-Altman plot. Results: 53 patients went under UGE, with an average age of 48,7 years and 62,3 percent female subjects. The main indication for performing the UGE examination was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (32.1 percent). Average duration of the procedure was 13.6 minutes. The average total gastrointestinal view before cleansing with water was 6.26 points (scale from 4 to 16) and 5.1 points (p < 0.001) after cleansing. 37.7 percent required at least 50 cc of water for cleansing. The difference in the pre and post cleansing score inter-observers was no different of 0. Kappa value obtained in gastric fundus, upper body, lower body and antrum before cleansing was 0.81; 0.71; 0.9 and 0.8, respectively. Kappa value obtained after cleansing of gastric fundus, upper body, lower body and antrum was 0.84; 0.65; 0.81 and 0.78; respectively. The mean difference between inter-observer scores before cleansing was 0.08 (p = 0.51), and after cleansing, 0.02 (p = 0.78)...

La presencia de espuma y burbujas durante la endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) es una limitante para la visualización de lesiones gástricas. Objetivo: Evaluar la confiabilidad de una escala de clasificación de limpieza gástrica en EDA. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico. Se aplicó el instrumento a pacientes que estaban agendados para EDA. Para la clasificación de visualización gástrica, el estómago se dividió en 4 porciones y se utilizó una escala de 1 a 4 por porción, sumando un puntaje total entre 4 (óptima visualización de la mucosa) y 16 (pobre visualización de ésta), evaluada por 2 endoscopistas independientes. Se obtuvo un puntaje de limpieza inicial y luego de la limpieza con agua de cada segmento estudiado y total. La concordancia inter-observador se estableció por medio del test de Kappa y el acuerdo para el puntaje global de limpieza fue establecido mediante el gráfico de Bland-Altman. Resultados: 53 pacientes fueron sometidos a EDA, con edad promedio de 48,7 años y 62,3 por ciento de sexo femenino. La principal indicación de EDA fue enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (32,1 por ciento). El tiempo promedio del procedimiento fue 13,6 min. El promedio de visualización gástrica total previo a limpieza con agua fue de 6,26 puntos (escala 4 a 16) y post limpieza 5,1 puntos (p < 0,001). Para la limpieza el 37,7 por ciento requirió al menos 50 cc de agua. La diferencia de puntaje de visualización pre y post limpieza inter observador no fue distinta de 0. En fondo gástrico, cuerpo alto, cuerpo bajo y antro se obtuvo un valor de Kappa previo a limpieza de 0,81; 0,71; 0,9 y 0,8, respectivamente. El valor de Kappa posterior a limpieza en fondo gástrico, cuerpo alto, cuerpo bajo y antro fue 0,84; 0,65; 0,81 y 0,78, respectivamente. La diferencia media de los puntajes inter-observadores previos a la limpieza gástrica fue de 0,08 (p = 0,51) y posterior a la limpieza gástrica fue de 0,02 (p = 0,78)...

[Mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral insufficiency: likelihood of success, early and-long term results at 20 years]. / Reparación valvular mitral en insuficiencia mitral degenerativa: reparabilidad, resultados inmediatos y seguimiento hasta 20 años.

BACKGROUND: The 2014 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease require to know the probability of success and operative mortality of Mitral Valve Repair (MVR) for Degenerative Mitral Insufficiency (DMI) at a given institution. AIM: To assess the probability of success, operative mortality and long-term results of MVR for DMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The database of the Cardiovascular Surgery Service was reviewed for the period December 1991 to December 2013. Long-term survival information was obtained from death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. RESULTS: One hundred forty seven patients with DMI were identified, all operated by one author (RZ). In 28 (19%) the mitral valve was replaced, including three patients in whom a MVR was intended without success. A successful MVR was performed in 119 patients (81%). The probability of a successful MVR was 97.5% (119 of 122). Prolapsed posterior leaflet was present in 81% and annulus dilatation in 60% of cases. The most frequent surgical procedures were quadrilateral resection (83%) and chordal transfer (13%). A mitral annuloplasty was performed in 92% of cases. Operative mortality was 0.8%. At the end of a 9.9 (0 - 22.7) years follow-up, 87 patients (73%) were alive and mean survival was 16.9 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 91%, 78%, 71% and 50%, respectively. Six patients were re-operated, due to mitral valve dysfunction in three. Mean re-operation free survival was 21.4 years. Echocardiographic follow-up was 75% completed at an average of 64 months; 84% of cases had no or only 1+ mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, MVR for DMI had an operative mortality below 1% and a probability of success greater than 95%, with excellent long-term results.

Perfil de uso y rango de dosis de analgésicos en un hospital de cuarto nivel en Bogotá / Profile of use and dose range of painkillers on a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá

Introducción: El dolor es uno de los síntomas más frecuentes e importantesen el paciente hospitalizado, con una frecuencia hasta de 76.9 porciento. El adecuado control del mismo es uno de los objetivos terapéuticos más buscados. Para lograr este objetivo, frecuentemente suelen usarse dosis inadecuadas de analgésicos, lo cual ocasiona reacciones adversas en los pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar los analgésicos de mayor uso en el paciente adulto hospitalizado y el rango de dosis de los mismos en un hospital de cuarto nivel de la ciudad de Bogotá. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en pacientes hospitalizados mayores de 18 años, con prescripción de analgésicos; seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio estratificado según servicio, entre julio a diciembre de 2013. Se evaluaron los analgésicos y las dosis prescritas, comparándolas con las dosis diarias máximas descritas para cada uno. El análisis de las variables sociodemográficas y farmacológicos serealizó con STATA 12. Resultados: Se evaluaron 355 historias clínicas depacientes, encontrando 555 prescripciones de analgésicos. Los más usados fueron acetaminofén en 186 casos (33,5 porciento) y tramadol en 167 (30,1 porciento). El uso de tramadol y acetaminofén se encontró en un rango de dosis adecuado en el 99,4 porciento y 90,9 porciento respectivamente. Los otros opiáceos utilizdos diferentes a tramadol, se encontraron en el rango de dósis según indica la literatura.Conclusiones: Los analgésicos más utilizados en el paciente hospitalizado pertenecen al escalón I y II de la escala del manejodel dolor de la OMS, siendo los más frecuentes acetaminofén y tramadol. Eluso de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos fue escaso, siendo el más relevanteentre estos, diclofenaco. Las dosis utilizadas de analgésicos en general fueron adecuadas, pero para dipirona se observó sobredosificación muy frecuente.Elanalgésico para el cual hay un mayor porcentaje de casos de subdosificación fue butilbromuro de hioscina.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most common and important symptomsinpatients, with a frequency of up to 76.9%. Proper control of the same is oneof the most sought therapeutic targets. To achieve this goal, often inadequatedoses of analgesics used, which causes adverse reactions in patients. The aim ofthis study was to identify the most widely used analgesics adult inpatient and thedose range of them at a hospital in fourth level of Bogota. Methods: Descriptiveobservational cross-sectional study inpatients over 18 years with prescriptionpainkillers, selected by stratified random sampling according to service, fromJuly to December 2013. Painkillers and prescribed doses were evaluated andcompared with the maximum daily doses described for each one. The analysisof the sociodemographic and pharmacological variables was performed usingSTATA 12, Results: Medical records of 355 patients were evaluated, finding555 prescription painkillers. The most used were acetaminophen in 186 cases(33.5%) and tramadol 167 (30.1%). The use of tramadol and acetaminophenwas found an appropriate range of doses in 99.4% and 90.9% respectively. Twocases with 4 prescription painkillers and a case with 5 concurrent analgesicswere found. Conclusions: The most commonly used in hospitalized patientsanalgesics belonging to stage I and II of the scale of pain management WHO,being the two main acetaminophen and tramadol. The use of NSAIDs wasrare, the most important among these, diclofenac. Analgesic doses used weregenerally adequate, but dipyrone overdosing very frequently observed. Theanalgesic for which there is a higher percentage of cases of underdosing washyoscine butylbromide.

[Coverage of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the prevention of gastric cancer in Chile: results from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey]. / Cobertura de la estrategia preventiva de cáncer gástrico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of cancer related deaths. The current screening strategy consists of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for people aged 40 years or more with epigastric pain. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic coverage of the use of UGE for early detection of GC in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of the digestive module of the 2009-10 National Health Survey, 5293 adults over 15 years were asked about the presence of epigastric pain, possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding (PUGB), use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), family history of GC and having performed an UGE. RESULTS: Persistent epigastric pain was observed in 3.4% of the population. PUGB signs were observed in 3.3% of the population. The prevalence of PPIs and H2RAs use was 4.3% and 2.2% respectively, reaching 21.6% in people aged 70 years and older. Life span prevalence of UGE was 18.3%, with differences by region, health insurance and educational level. UGE coverage in people aged 40 years or older with and without persistent epigastric pain was 14.4% and 3.2% respectively (Odds ratio 4.8, p < 0.01). The prevalence of UGE was similar among people with or without PUGB or family history of CG. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated coverage of the current GC prevention strategy in Chile is 14.4%, evaluated at a population level. Further studies are required to determine the impact of this strategy on early GC diagnosis and mortality.

Reparación valvular mitral en insuficiencia mitral degenerativa: reparabilidad, resultados inmediatos y seguimiento hasta 20 años / Mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral insufficiency: likelihood of success, early and-long term results at 20 years

Background: The 2014 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease require to know the probability of success and operative mortality of Mitral Valve Repair (MVR) for Degenerative Mitral Insufficiency (DMI) at a given institution. Aim: To assess the probability of success, operative mortality and long-term results of MVR for DMI. Patients and Methods: The database of the Cardiovascular Surgery Service was reviewed for the period December 1991 to December 2013. Long-term survival information was obtained from death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. Results: One hundred forty seven patients with DMI were identified, all operated by one author (RZ). In 28 (19%) the mitral valve was replaced, including three patients in whom a MVR was intended without success. A successful MVR was performed in 119 patients (81%). The probability of a successful MVR was 97.5% (119 of 122). Prolapsed posterior leaflet was present in 81% and annulus dilatation in 60% of cases. The most frequent surgical procedures were quadrilateral resection (83%) and chordal transfer (13%). A mitral annuloplasty was performed in 92% of cases. Operative mortality was 0.8%. At the end of a 9.9 (0 - 22.7) years follow-up, 87 patients (73%) were alive and mean survival was 16.9 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 91%, 78%, 71% and 50%, respectively. Six patients were re-operated, due to mitral valve dysfunction in three. Mean re-operation free survival was 21.4 years. Echocardiographic follow-up was 75% completed at an average of 64 months; 84% of cases had no or only 1+ mitral regurgitation. Conclusions: In our experience, MVR for DMI had an operative mortality below 1% and a probability of success greater than 95%, with excellent long-term results.

Cobertura de la estrategia preventiva de cáncer gástrico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 / Coverage of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the prevention of gastric cancer in Chile: results from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey

Background: In Chile, gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of cancer related deaths. The current screening strategy consists of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for people aged 40 years or more with epigastric pain. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic coverage of the use of UGE for early detection of GC in Chile. Material and Methods: As part of the digestive module of the 2009-10 National Health Survey, 5293 adults over 15 years were asked about the presence of epigastric pain, possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding (PUGB), use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), family history of GC and having performed an UGE. Results: Persistent epigastric pain was observed in 3.4% of the population. PUGB signs were observed in 3.3% of the population. The prevalence of PPIs and H2RAs use was 4.3% and 2.2% respectively, reaching 21.6% in people aged 70 years and older. Life span prevalence of UGE was 18.3%, with differences by region, health insurance and educational level. UGE coverage in people aged 40 years or older with and without persistent epigastric pain was 14.4% and 3.2% respectively (Odds ratio 4.8, p < 0.01). The prevalence of UGE was similar among people with or without PUGB or family history of CG. Conclusions: The estimated coverage of the current GC prevention strategy in Chile is 14.4%, evaluated at a population level. Further studies are required to determine the impact of this strategy on early GC diagnosis and mortality.

[Coverage of the gallbladder cancer prevention strategy in Chile: results from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey]. / Cobertura de la estrategia preventiva de cáncer de vesícula biliar en Chile: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most important causes of death and gallstone disease (GSD) is its main risk factor. Abdominal ultrasonography (AU) is used for the diagnosis of GSD and cholecystectomy is used to prevent it. AIM: To estimate GSD prevalence in the general population and to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic coverage of GSD as a preventive strategy for GBC in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized digestive symptoms questionnaire of the 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey was answered by 5412 adults over 15 years old. Self-reports of AU, GBD and cholecystectomies were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of biliary-type pain was 7.1%. During the last five years, the prevalence of AU was 16%. GSD was reported in 20% of these tests and 84% of them were asymptomatic. The prevalence of AU was significantly lower in Araucanía region and among people with less than 12 years of education. Life cholecystectomy prevalence was 11% and reached 40% in people aged over 60 years. Women accounted for 75% of total cholecystectomies. Twenty-one percent of individuals who referred biliary-type pain, were studied with an AU. Only 60% of people with GSD confirmed by AU underwent a cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: GSD affects at least 27% of the Chilean adult population. Important deficits and inequities in GSD diagnostic and therapeutic coverage were identified.

Cobertura de la estrategia preventiva de cáncer de vesícula biliar en Chile: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 / Coverage of the gallbladder cancer prevention strategy in Chile: results from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey

Background: In Chile, gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most important causes of death and gallstone disease (GSD) is its main risk factor. Abdominal ultrasonography (AU) is used for the diagnosis of GSD and cholecystectomy is used to prevent it. Aim: To estimate GSD prevalence in the general population and to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic coverage of GSD as a preventive strategy for GBC in Chile. Material and Methods: A standardized digestive symptoms questionnaire of the 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey was answered by 5412 adults over 15 years old. Self-reports of AU, GBD and cholecystectomies were recorded. Results: The prevalence of biliary-type pain was 7.1%. During the last five years, the prevalence of AU was 16%. GSD was reported in 20% of these tests and 84% of them were asymptomatic. The prevalence of AU was significantly lower in Araucanía region and among people with less than 12 years of education. Life cholecystectomy prevalence was 11% and reached 40% in people aged over 60 years. Women accounted for 75% of total cholecystectomies. Twenty-one percent of individuals who referred biliary-type pain, were studied with an AU. Only 60% of people with GSD confirmed by AU underwent a cholecystectomy. Conclusions: GSD affects at least 27% of the Chilean adult population. Important deficits and inequities in GSD diagnostic and therapeutic coverage were identified.

Lysosomal membrane permeabilization and autophagy blockade contribute to photoreceptor cell death in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of hereditary retinal dystrophies that normally result in photoreceptor cell death and vision loss both in animal models and in affected patients. The rd10 mouse, which carries a missense mutation in the Pde6b gene, has been used to characterize the underlying pathophysiology and develop therapies for this devastating and incurable disease. Here we show that increased photoreceptor cell death in the rd10 mouse retina is associated with calcium overload and calpain activation, both of which are observed before the appearance of signs of cell degeneration. These changes are accompanied by an increase in the activity of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B in the cytoplasm of photoreceptor cells, and a reduced colocalization of cathepsin B with lysosomal markers, suggesting that lysosomal membrane permeabilization occurs before the peak of cell death. Moreover, expression of the autophagosomal marker LC3-II (lipidated form of LC3) is reduced and autophagy flux is blocked in rd10 retinas before the onset of photoreceptor cell death. Interestingly, we found that cell death is increased by the induction of autophagy with rapamycin and inhibited by calpain and cathepsin inhibitors, both ex vivo and in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that calpain-mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization underlies the lysosomal dysfunction and downregulation of autophagy associated with photoreceptor cell death.

[Twenty years of mitral valve repair. An experience in 322 patients]. / Veinte años de cirugía reparadora de la válvula mitral.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair is the preferred procedure for the surgical treatment of mitral valve insufficiency (MI), procedure that we initiated 20 years ago. AIM: To assess our experience and long-term results of mitral valve repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The database of the cardiology department was reviewed for the period between December 1991 and December 2012. A total of 322 patients aged 18 to 89 years (62% males) undergoing mitral valve repair were identified. Long-term survival information was obtained consulting death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. The latest echocardiogram available was analyzed. RESULTS: MI was degenerative in 144 patients (45%) and ischemic in 104 (32%). A prosthetic ring was used in all ischemic and in 92% of non-ischemic MI. Operative mortality was 7.5%, 13% in ischemic and 4.4% in non-ischemic MI (p < 0.01). Overall long-term survival was 14.1 years; 9.3 and 16 years for ischemic and non-ischemic MI, respectively (p < 0.001). Survival at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years was 79, 63, 54 and 42%, respectively. For degenerative MI survival at 5 and 10 years was 90 and 76% and for ischemic MI, it was 64 and 44%, respectively (p < 0.001). On a multivariate analysis the main predictors of late mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology. Echocardiographic follow-up was available for 223 patients; MI was absent in 53% and was mild in 29%. CONCLUSIONS: In a 20 years follow-up, mitral valve repair for MI had excellent long-term survival and echocardiographic results. The most common etiologies of MI were degenerative and ischemic diseases. The latter had a worst prognosis. The main predictors of long term mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology.

Veinte años de cirugía reparadora de la válvula mitral / Twenty years of mitral valve repair. An experience in 322 patients

Background: Mitral valve repair is the preferred procedure for the surgical treatment of mitral valve insufficiency (MI), procedure that we initiated 20 years ago. Aim: To assess our experience and long-term results of mitral valve repair. Patients and Methods: The database of the cardiology department was reviewed for the period between December 1991 and December 2012. A total of 322 patients aged 18 to 89 years (62% males) undergoing mitral valve repair were identified. Long-term survival information was obtained consulting death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. The latest echocardiogram available was analyzed. Results: MI was degenerative in 144 patients (45%) and ischemic in 104 (32%). A prosthetic ring was used in all ischemic and in 92% of non-ischemic MI. Operative mortality was 7.5%, 13% in ischemic and 4.4% in non-ischemic MI (p < 0.01). Overall long-term survival was 14.1 years; 9.3 and 16 years for ischemic and non-ischemic MI, respectively (p < 0.001). Survival at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years was 79, 63, 54 and 42%, respectively. For degenerative MI survival at 5 and 10 years was 90 and 76% and for ischemic MI, it was 64 and 44%, respectively (p < 0.001). On a multivariate analysis the main predictors of late mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology. Echocardiographic follow-up was available for 223 patients; MI was absent in 53% and was mild in 29%. Conclusions: In a 20 years follow-up, mitral valve repair for MI had excellent long-term survival and echocardiographic results. The most common etiologies of MI were degenerative and ischemic diseases. The latter had a worst prognosis. The main predictors of long term mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology.