Cancer screening in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: Ten years experience from a single center.

OBJECTIVE: There is a well-recognized association between cancer and myositis, so cancer screening at diagnosis is recommended. We aim to report the results of our cancer screening strategy and to ascertain the reliability of using PET/CT to identify cancer-associated myositis (CAM) in a large cohort of patients with myositis from a single center over 10 years. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included all patients diagnosed with any type of myositis except for inclusion body myositis. Cancer screening strategy was individualized according to clinical and serological data, including PET/CT as the main test to detect occult cancer (OC). Procedures derived from a positive PET/CT were registered. Qualitative data expressed as percentages, and quantitative data as the median with the interquartile range were analyzed. A ROC curve was used to estimate the reliability of PET/CT for CAM diagnosis. RESULTS: Seventy-seven out of 131 patients underwent a PET/CT for OC screening. The performance of the PET/CT in patients with myositis at disease onset yielded an area under the curve ROC of 0.87 (0.73-0.97) for CAM diagnosis. Invasive procedures in 7 (9%) patients without a final diagnosis of cancer did not cause derived complications. Patients not evaluated for OC did not develop cancer after a median follow-up of 3.3 years (1.7-6.7). CONCLUSION: Cancer screening strategy should be individualized. PET/CT at myositis onset seems to be an efficient approach to rule out CAM. This practice does not seem to significantly increase harm to patients related to the additional tests needed to clarify inconclusive results.

Correlation of ultrasound B-lines with high-resolution computed tomography in antisynthetase syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Interstitial lung disease is a common finding in patients with the antisynthetase syndrome. High-resolution computed tomography is the reference test for diagnosis and follow-up of this condition, but it involves considerable radiation exposure. Our aim was to describe chest ultrasound features and its correlation with high-resolution computed tomography findings in a series of patients with the antisynthetase syndrome. METHODS: The study included patients from our antisynthetase syndrome cohort with varying degrees of interstitial lung disease, consulting in our outpatient clinic over a 1-year period. Chest high-resolution computed tomography and chest sonography were prospectively performed within a 1-week period. High-resolution computed tomography Warrick score was calculated and chest sonography findings (B-lines) at several sonographic points along the anterior and posterior intercostal spaces were semi-quantitatively analyzed. Rho Spearman statistics were applied for possible correlations. RESULTS: Twenty-one consecutive patients were studied. A median of 59 thoracic points was studied per patient (IQR 6); 44.1% (95% CI 29.9-60.7) of them showed at least one B-line. A correlation coefficient of 0.135 (p=0.5) was found between the percentage of ultrasound points with B-lines and the Warrick's score. Only the number of bronchopulmonary segments showing ground glass findings was associated with the percentage of sonographic points with B-lines (Rho=0.5, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A good correlation between the percentage of sonographic points with B-lines and high-resolution computed tomography ground glass opacities was observed in patients with the antisynthetase syndrome.

Comparison of robotic-assisted vs conventional laparoscopy for extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy for locally advanced cervical cancer and to compare to a previous series of patients from our institution undergoing the same procedure by conventional laparoscopy. METHODS: 17 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stages IB2, IIA2 and IIB-IVA) underwent pretherapeutic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy by robotic-assisted laparoscopy. Perioperative outcomes including age, BMI, FIGO stage, operating time, blood loss, complications and length of hospital stay were compared to a series of 83 patients from our institution undergoing the same procedure by conventional laparoscopy. RESULTS: The median values for operating time and hospital days for the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy groups were 150 vs. 150 min and 2 vs 2 days, respectively. In the robotic group, blood loss was lower (90 vs 20 ml, p<0.05) and more aortic nodes were removed (14 vs 17 nodes, p<0.05). Docking time was 7 min (range 3-15). There were no intraoperative complications. There were no differences for postoperative complications (17.6% vs 8.4%). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy provide similar perioperative outcomes other than lower blood loss and higher number of aortic nodes removed (both without clinical impact) in robotic patients for the performance of extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. We believe that robotic surgery is an additional tool to perform the same surgical procedure. HIGHLIGHTS: Robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy provide similar perioperative outcomes.

Viajeros atendidos en un centro de vacunación internacional. ¿Está aumentando el riesgo en el viajero pediátrico? / Travelers attending an international vaccine center. Is the risk for the pediatric traveler increasing?

Introducción: Existe la percepción de que están aumentando los viajeros pediátricos, fundamentalmente a expensas del grupo de viajeros conocidos como visiting friends and relatives (VFR). Las características demográficas y de los viajes en este grupo de viajeros confieren un mayor riesgo y condicionan una mayor complejidad en las recomendaciones vacunales y profilácticas. Objetivo: Analizar la evolución en el tiempo de los diferentes grupos de viajeros pediátricos. Describir las características demográficas y del viaje en la población pediátrica y analizar si los VFR difieren de los no VFR en cuanto a los factores que puedan conferir un mayor riesgo. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de las características de los niños viajeros atendidos en la Unidad de Vacunación Internacional del Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron entre julio de 2002 y febrero de 2009. Resultados: Se atendieron 692 niños, con una edad media de 8 años (DE 5,4). Se observó un aumento en el número de viajeros pediátricos y una tendencia al incremento de niños VFR en los primeros años que posteriormente se mantuvo estable. En los viajeros VFR la edad media fue menor, confirmándose una menor previsión antes del viaje y una mayor duración del mismo en este grupo de viajeros. Se actualizó el calendario vacunal al 29,2% y se recomendó profilaxis antipalúdica al 52% de los viajeros. Conclusión: A pesar del aumento progresivo de viajes internacionales y del aumento inicial de los viajeros VFR, el porcentaje de este grupo de viajeros se mantuvo estable en los últimos años. La escasa percepción del riesgo entre la población inmigrante señala la necesidad de promover una adecuada consulta previa al viaje en este colectivo (AU)

Introduction: There is a perception that the number of pediatric travelers is increasing, mainly due to the so-called visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) group. Both the demographic and trips characteristics in this group may lead to an increased risk and a greater complexity in vaccinations and other preventive recommendations. Objective: To analyze the outcomes of different groups of pediatric travelers. To describe the demographic and travel characteristics within the pediatric population, and to analyze whether the VFRs differ from non-VFRs with regards to the factors that may contribute to a greater risk. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study of the characteristics of pediatric travelers treated in the International Pre-travel Consultation Unit of the University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, from July 2002 to January 2009. Results: Of the 692 children analyzed, with a mean age of 8 years (SD 5.4), an increase in the overall number of travelers was identified, along with an initial increase in the number of VFR children in the early years of the study, although later on, the numbers of this group stabilized. The mean age of the VFR travelers was also found to be lower. A lack of planning prior to the start of the travel was also noted in the VFRs group, as well as longer trip durations. A routine vaccine was administered to 29.2% of children, and malaria prophylaxis was recommended for 52% of travelers. Conclusion: Despite the progressive increase in international travel and the initial increase in VFR travelers, the percentage of this group has remained stable in recent years. However, the perception of a low risk among the immigrant population suggests the need to encourage an adequate pre-travel consultation within this group (AU)

[Travelers attending an international vaccine center. Is the risk for the pediatric traveler increasing?]. / Viajeros atendidos en un centro de vacunación internacional. ¿Está aumentando el riesgo en el viajero pediátrico?

INTRODUCTION: There is a perception that the number of pediatric travelers is increasing, mainly due to the so-called visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) group. Both the demographic and trips characteristics in this group may lead to an increased risk and a greater complexity in vaccinations and other preventive recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of different groups of pediatric travelers. To describe the demographic and travel characteristics within the pediatric population, and to analyze whether the VFRs differ from non-VFRs with regards to the factors that may contribute to a greater risk. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional descriptive study of the characteristics of pediatric travelers treated in the International Pre-travel Consultation Unit of the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, from July 2002 to January 2009. RESULTS: Of the 692 children analyzed, with a mean age of 8 years (SD 5.4), an increase in the overall number of travelers was identified, along with an initial increase in the number of VFR children in the early years of the study, although later on, the numbers of this group stabilized. The mean age of the VFR travelers was also found to be lower. A lack of planning prior to the start of the travel was also noted in the VFRs group, as well as longer trip durations. A routine vaccine was administered to 29.2% of children, and malaria prophylaxis was recommended for 52% of travelers. CONCLUSION: Despite the progressive increase in international travel and the initial increase in VFR travelers, the percentage of this group has remained stable in recent years. However, the perception of a low risk among the immigrant population suggests the need to encourage an adequate pre-travel consultation within this group.

Location of aortic node metastases in locally advanced cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: To assess the location of aortic node metastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer undergoing extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy to define the extent of the aortic lymphadenectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 2001 and December 2010, 100 consecutive patients with primary locally advanced cervical cancer underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic aortic and common iliac lymphadenectomy. The location of aortic node metastases, inframesenteric or infrarenal was noted. RESULTS: The mean number±standard deviation (SD) of aortic nodes removed was 15.9 ± 7.8 (range 4-62). The mean number ± SD of inframesenteric (including common iliac) nodes removed was 8.8 ± 4.5 (range 2-41) and the mean number ± SD of infrarenal nodes removed was 7.8 ± 4.1 (range 2-21). Positive aortic nodes were observed in 16 patients, and in 5 (31.2%) of them the infrarenal nodes were the only nodes involved, with negative inframesenteric nodes. CONCLUSION: Inframesenteric aortic nodes are negative in the presence of positive infrarenal nodes in about one third of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer and aortic metastases.

Dexametasona en el tratamiento de la meningitis neumocócica / Treatment of pneumococcal meningitis with dexamethasone

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido comparar dos pautas de tratamiento con dexametasona en el tratamiento de la meningitis neumocócica: una pauta corta de 48h y una larga de 96h. Estudio retrospectivo en el que se comparan dos pautas de tratamiento con dexametasona en una serie de 18 casos de meningitis neumocócica. Se observa una mayor duración de la fiebre primaria en el grupo que recibe la pauta corta de dexametasona estadísticamente significativa sin diferencias en cuanto al desarrollo de fiebre secundaria y en la evolución a muerte y/o secuelas neurológicas graves. Se concluye que no existen diferencias importantes entre las dos pautas de tratamiento y en la necesidad de desarrollar marcadores de mala evolución y nuevos tratamientos adyuvantes para mejorar el pronóstico de la enfermedad (AU)

Our aim was two compare two different dexamethasone administration schedules in pneumococcal meningitis: short course (48h) and long course (96h) treatment. We diagnosed 18 pneumococcal meningitis treated with the two different schedules. We found a statistically significant longer duration of primary fever in patients who received dexamethasone for two days. We found no differences in the appearance of secondary fever, or in the development of severe neurological handicaps, or death between the two groups. We conclude that they are no significant differences between the two treatment schedules and that there is a need for developing early prognostic markers and adjuvant therapies that improve the outcome of patients with pneumococcal meningitis (AU)

[Treatment of pneumococcal meningitis with dexamethasone]. / Dexametasona en el tratamiento de la meningitis neumocócica.

Our aim was two compare two different dexamethasone administration schedules in pneumococcal meningitis: short course (48h) and long course (96h) treatment. We diagnosed 18 pneumococcal meningitis treated with the two different schedules. We found a statistically significant longer duration of primary fever in patients who received dexamethasone for two days. We found no differences in the appearance of secondary fever, or in the development of severe neurological handicaps, or death between the two groups. We conclude that they are no significant differences between the two treatment schedules and that there is a need for developing early prognostic markers and adjuvant therapies that improve the outcome of patients with pneumococcal meningitis.

[MMR vaccine and egg allergy. Experience in a hospital immunization unit]. / Vacuna triple vírica y alergia al huevo. Experiencia en una unidad de vacunación hospitalaria.

INTRODUCTION: We review the scientific evidence on the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (produced in chicken embryo cell culture) in children with egg allergy. Data on the reactogenicity observed with this vaccine in a large series of children with this type of allergy immunized in an hospital immunization unit are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational prospective study was performed in the International Immunization Unit of the Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Service of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from March 2004 to December 2005. Demographic variables, clinical history of allergy, and the adverse reactions observed 30 minutes after vaccine administration were analyzed. RESULT: A total of 140 patients (106 referred for the first MMR vaccine dose, and 34 for the second) were evaluated. Of these, 75.7 % showed clinical signs after egg ingestion (severe reactions were described in only seven patients: respiratory distress in six and systemic anaphylaxis in one). The MMR vaccine was administered to 121 children. No significant adverse reactions were observed (17.8 % of the vaccinated children developed mild local symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: According to current scientific evidence and the data obtained in this study, the MMR vaccine is safe in patients with egg allergy.

Vacuna triple vírica y alergia al huevo. Experiencia en una unidad de vacunación hospitalaria / MMR vaccine and egg allergy. Experience in a hospital immunization unit

Introducción En este estudio se revisan las evidencias científicas disponibles sobre la seguridad de la vacuna triple vírica convencional (cultivada en fibroblastos de embriones de pollo) en niños con alergia al huevo, y se evalúa la reactogenicidad vacunal en una serie amplia de niños con este tipo de alergia inmunizados con triple vírica en una unidad de vacunación hospitalaria. Material y métodos Estudio observacional prospectivo, realizado en la Unidad de Vacunación Internacional del Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Epidemiología del Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, entre marzo de 2004 y diciembre de 2005. Se analizan variables demográficas, las relativas a los antecedentes de alergia y la reactogenicidad apreciada tras la observación directa del niño durante los 30 min posteriores a la vacunación. Resultados Se han incluido en el estudio 140 pacientes (106 en primera dosis de vacuna triple vírica y 34 en segunda). El 75,7 % había presentado manifestaciones clínicas tras la ingesta de huevo o de alimentos que lo contenían (sólo siete niños habían presentado manifestaciones graves, en forma de dificultad respiratoria en 6 casos y de anafilaxia en uno). Se administró la vacuna convencional a 121 niños, y no se observó ninguna reacción adversa importante (el 17,8 % de ellos presentó reacción local leve en el punto de inyección). Conclusiones Las evidencias científicas actuales, así como los datos del presente estudio, sustentan la seguridad de la vacuna triple vírica en personas con hipersensibilidad al huevo

Introduction We review the scientific evidence on the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (produced in chicken embryo cell culture) in children with egg allergy. Data on the reactogenicity observed with this vaccine in a large series of children with this type of allergy immunized in an hospital immunization unit are presented. Material and methods An observational prospective study was performed in the International Immunization Unit of the Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Service of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from March 2004 to December 2005. Demographic variables, clinical history of allergy, and the adverse reactions observed 30 minutes after vaccine administration were analyzed. Result A total of 140 patients (106 referred for the first MMR vaccine dose, and 34 for the second) were evaluated. Of these, 75.7 % showed clinical signs after egg ingestion (severe reactions were described in only seven patients: respiratory distress in six and systemic anaphylaxis in one). The MMR vaccine was administered to 121 children. No significant adverse reactions were observed (17.8 % of the vaccinated children developed mild local symptoms). Conclusions According to current scientific evidence and the data obtained in this study, the MMR vaccine is safe in patients with egg allergy

[Influenza vaccination in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Factors associated with coverage]. / Vacunación antigripal en niños ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel. Factores asociados a las coberturas.

INTRODUCTION: Children aged less than 2 years old and those with chronic diseases have a high risk of complications and hospitalization due to influenza. Despite the broad consensus in the literature on the indication for annual immunization of these patients, less than 30 % of the children with high-risk underlying conditions are immunized each year. The aim of this study is to determine the influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk underlying conditions admitted to a university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged from 6 months to 18 years old with high-risk medical conditions and who had been hospitalized between January and May, 2005 in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona). Influenza vaccine coverage, factors associated with immunization, and the reasons for nonvaccination were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall vaccine coverage was 23.5 %. The highest vaccination coverage was found in patients with congenital heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and asthma (43.2 %, 42.9 % and 28.6 %, respectively). The factors most frequently associated with influenza vaccination were the type of underlying disease, having been immunized against influenza in the previous season, having received the pneumococcal vaccine, and age younger than 5 years. The main reason for nonvaccination was the lack of influenza vaccine recommendation by health professionals (95.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk conditions is low. Strategies to increase awareness among health professionals on the importance of recommending influenza immunization are required.

Vacunación antigripal en niños ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel. Factores asociados a las coberturas / Influenza vaccination in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Factors associated with coverage

Introducción Los niños menores de 2 años y los afectos de patologías de base son los que presentan un mayor riesgo de complicaciones y hospitalizaciones a causa de la gripe. A pesar del amplio consenso en la literatura médica en la indicación de vacunación antigripal anual en estos pacientes, menos del 30 % de niños con condiciones de alto riesgo son inmunizados anualmente. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la cobertura vacunal antigripal en los niños ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel con patologías de riesgo. Pacientes y métodos Estudio de prevalencia en pacientes de 6 meses a 18 años con patologías de riesgo ingresados entre enero y mayo de 2005 en el Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron de Barcelona. Se analizan las coberturas vacunales frente a la gripe, factores asociados a la inmunización, así como los motivos de no vacunación. Resultados La cobertura vacunal global observada ha sido del 23,5 %. Los pacientes afectados de cardiopatías, enfermedad respiratoria crónica y asma son los que presentan coberturas de vacunación más elevadas (43,2, 42,9 y 28,6 %, respectivamente). El tipo de patología de base, el antecedente de vacunación en la temporada anterior, estar vacunado frente al neumococo y ser menor de 5 años son las variables más asociadas a la vacunación antigripal en estos pacientes. El principal motivo de no vacunación ha sido la falta de recomendación por parte de los profesionales sanitarios que atienden a estos pacientes (95,3 %). Conclusiones La cobertura vacunal frente a la gripe en niños que tienen indicación es baja. Se requieren estrategias para aumentar la concienciación de los profesionales sanitarios sobre la importancia de recomendar esta vacunación

Introduction Children aged less than 2 years old and those with chronic diseases have a high risk of complications and hospitalization due to influenza. Despite the broad consensus in the literature on the indication for annual immunization of these patients, less than 30 % of the children with high-risk underlying conditions are immunized each year. The aim of this study is to determine the influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk underlying conditions admitted to a university hospital. Patients and methods We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged from 6 months to 18 years old with high-risk medical conditions and who had been hospitalized between January and May, 2005 in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona). Influenza vaccine coverage, factors associated with immunization, and the reasons for nonvaccination were analyzed. Results Overall vaccine coverage was 23.5 %. The highest vaccination coverage was found in patients with congenital heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and asthma (43.2 %, 42.9 % and 28.6 %, respectively). The factors most frequently associated with influenza vaccination were the type of underlying disease, having been immunized against influenza in the previous season, having received the pneumococcal vaccine, and age younger than 5 years. The main reason for nonvaccination was the lack of influenza vaccine recommendation by health professionals (95.3 %). Conclusions Influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk conditions is low. Strategies to increase awareness among health professionals on the importance of recommending influenza immunization are required

Exposure to extrinsic risk factors in prevalence surveys of hospital-acquired infections: a methodological approach.

The difficulties encountered in studying the presence of extrinsic risk factors in the framework of prevalence surveys of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) have led to the use of a variety of methodological approaches. This study examined the effect of retrospective approaches for obtaining data regarding exposure to extrinsic risk factors. The EPINE database for 1990 was used and a simulation model was created. All the evaluated approaches differed in their impact upon the association between risk factors and infections. Prevalence of exposure on the day of the survey, prevalence of exposure at any time before the survey was conducted, and total prevalence were found to be significantly associated with the probability of exposure and duration of exposure. For exposure periods of less than four days, the prevalence of exposure during the week prior to the survey was higher than that encountered on the day of the survey. In studying exposure to risk factors retrospectively, no evidence-based justification could be found to determine how many days prior to the day of actual exposure should be included in the study. However, the site of infection determined the proportion of devices removed due to HAI, and this proportion was not very high in this study. Limiting data to recording the presence of the risk factor on the day of the survey, without investigating past exposures, can provide an adequate estimate of the burden of extrinsic risk factors in one-day, point-prevalence surveys.

Fracturas diafisarias de húmero en mayores de 60 años: enclavado intramedular rígido / Rigid intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures in patients older than 60

Objetivo. Valorar retrospectivamente el tratamiento mediante un enclavado endomedular rígido de las fracturas diafisarias de húmero en mayores de 60 años. Material y método. Entre 1997 y 2002 se trataron en nuestro centro 33 pacientes afectos de fractura diafisaria de húmero con una edad media de 72, 8 años (R = 60-89). Se utilizaron 11 clavos de Russell Taylor, 16 de Seidel y 6 UHN. Se ha analizado el tiempo e incidencia de consolidación, las complicaciones intraoperatorias, postoperatorias y tardías, así como los resultados funcionales mediante la escala de Rodríguez-Merchán y se ha estudiado la recuperación del estado funcional previo. Resultados. La tasa global de consolidación fue del 87,8% en un tiempo medio de 13,5 semanas (R = 8-40). Las complicaciones intraoperatorias fueron 1 parálisis transitoria del nervio radial y 7 problemas técnicos. Como complicaciones tardías hubo 1 caso de infección, 5 síndromes dolorosos de hombro, 3 pseudoartrosis y se retiraron 7 clavos. Los resultados funcionales según la clasificación de Rodríguez-Merchán fueron excelentes o buenos en el 75,7% del total de pacientes. El grupo tratado con Russell Taylor o UHN presentó un 88,2% de excelentes o buenos resultados frente a un 62,5% de los tratados con el clavo Seidel (p = 0,09). El 88,2% del grupo tratados con Russell Taylor o UHN recuperaron el estado funcional previo frente al 56,3% de los tratados con el clavo Seidel (p = 0,046). Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren que el tratamiento de las fracturas diafisarias de húmero mediante un enclavado endomedular rígido encerrojado proximal y distalmente es una opción terapéutica válida a considerar en mayores de 60 años

Purpose. To retrospectively assess rigid intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures in patients over 60 years of age. Materials and methods. 33 patients of a mean age of 72.8 years (range: 60-89) with a humeral shaft fracture were treated in our hospital between 1997 and 2002. 11 Russell Taylor, 16 Seidel and 6 UHN nails were used. Osseointegration time and incidence data were examined as well as intraoperative, postoperative and late complications and the functional results obtained were assessed by means of the Rodríguez-Merchán scale. The degree of recovery of the earlier functional condition was also considered. Results. Healing was achieved globally in 87.8% of cases in an average period of 13.5 weeks (range: 8-40). Intraoperative complications were: one case of transient radial nerve palsy and 7 technical problems. As regards late complications, there was one case of infection, 5 painful shoulder syndromes, 3 pseudoarthroses and 7 nails had to be retrieved. According to Rodríguez-Merchán's classification, functional results were good to excellent in 75.7% of patients. The group treated with Russell Taylor or UHN nails had 8.2% of good to excellent results as compared with 62.5% for patients treated with the Seidel nail (p=0.09). 88.2% of patients in the Russell Taylor-UHN group recovered their earlier functional condition as compared with 56.3% of those treated with the Seidel nail (p = 0.046). Conclusions. Results suggests that treatment of humeral shaft fractures by means of rigid intramedullary nailing with proximal and distal locking is a valid therapeutic option to be considered in patients older than 60

Polymyositis/dermatomyositis-associated lung disease: analysis of a series of 81 patients.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, clinical, histological and immunological characteristics, and the long-term outcome of polymyositis- (PM) and dermatomyositis- (DM) associated lung disease, and to define subgroups of lung-associated inflammatory myopathies. This retrospective study included 81 consecutive patients diagnosed with PM/DM. Pulmonary involvement was systematically investigated in relation to clinical symptoms by chest radiography, high resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function testing. Anti-synthetase autoantibodies (ASA) were analysed by ELISA and confirmed by protein and RNA immunoprecipitation methods. Statistical analyses were done with the Student t-test and Fisher exact test. Cumulative survival probabilities were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Fifty patients (61%) presented pulmonary involvement. Thirty-two (39%) had interstitial lung disease and five of them had devastating acute interstitial pneumonia with pneumomediastinum and an unfavorable prognosis. Histology showed diffuse alveolar damage in this subgroup and ASA were negative. Eighteen patients (22%) presented restrictive myopathic lung disease; in three of them respiratory muscles could not maintain ventilation. ASA were positive in 17 of the 50 patients (34%) and were significantly associated with interstitial lung disease (OR: 4.5 [95% CI: 1.3-15.3]), arthritis (OR: 6.0 [95% CI: 1.3-29.2]) and 'mechanic hands' (OR: 8.5 [95% CI: 1.7-41.4]); the presence of these autoantibodies did not imply worse survival prognosis. We concluded that clinical and immunological characteristics allowed the grouping of patients into different types of PM/DM lung-associated disease. Presence of ASA did not affect survival. ASA-negative patients with acute interstitial pneumonitis and pneumomediastinum had an unfavorable prognosis.

Epidemiología de la legionelosis

La legionelosis es una infección emergente que ocasiona notables problemas de salud pública en muchos países. Es un proceso asociado a la industrialización y a la estancia en hospitales y hoteles, actividades que, como se ha comprobado en nuestro país, deben ser desarrolladas bajo unas elevadas condiciones de higiene y sanidad ambiental. En el presente artículo se revisa la epidemiología descriptiva de la legionelosis y se detalla su cadena epidemiológica haciendo especial énfasis en los mecanismos detransmisión (AU)