Transdermal microneedle patches as a promising drug delivery system for anti-obesogenic molecules.

Obesity, characterized by excessive storage of lipids, has become a global pandemic with high incidence levels, and its forecast is not encouraging. Currently, there are different strategies to treat obesity; however, these conventional methods have various limitations. Lifestyle changes may result in poor outcomes due to the complexity of obesity causes, pharmaceutic treatments produce severe side effects, and bariatric surgery is highly invasive. In the search for alternative treatments to fight obesity, transdermal drug delivery systems of anti-obesogenic molecules have gained particular attention. However, the diffusion of molecules through the skin is the main drawback due to the characteristics of different layers of the skin, principally the stratum corneum and its barrier-like behavior. In this sense, microneedles patches (MP) have emerged to overcome this limitation by piercing the skin and allowing drug delivery inside the body. Although MP have been studied for some years, it was not until about 2017 that their potential as anti-obesogenic treatment was reported. This article aims to summarize and analyze the strategies employed to produce MP and to embed the active molecules against obesity. Special attention is focused on the microneedle's material, geometry, array, and additional delivery strategies, like nanoencapsulation. MP are a promising tool to develop an easy-access treatment, avoiding the digestive tract and with the capacity to enhance the anti-obesogenic activity by delivering one or more active molecules.

Strategies for surface coatings of implantable cardiac medical devices.

Cardiac medical devices (CMDs) are required when the patient's cardiac capacity or activity is compromised. To guarantee its correct functionality, the building materials in the development of CMDs must focus on several fundamental properties such as strength, stiffness, rigidity, corrosion resistance, etc. The challenge is more significant because CMDs are generally built with at least one metallic and one polymeric part. However, not only the properties of the materials need to be taken into consideration. The biocompatibility of the materials represents one of the major causes of the success of CMDs in the short and long term. Otherwise, the material will lead to several problems of hemocompatibility (e.g., protein adsorption, platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, bacterial infection, and finally, the rejection of the CMDs). To enhance the hemocompatibility of selected materials, surface modification represents a suitable solution. The surface modification involves the attachment of chemical compounds or bioactive compounds to the surface of the material. These coatings interact with the blood and avoid hemocompatibility and infection issues. This work reviews two main topics: 1) the materials employed in developing CMDs and their key characteristics, and 2) the surface modifications reported in the literature, clinical trials, and those that have reached the market. With the aim of providing to the research community, considerations regarding the choice of materials for CMDs, together with the advantages and disadvantages of the surface modifications and the limitations of the studies performed.

Efficacy and safety of growing rods in the treatment of scoliosis in children under 10 / Eficácia e segurança de hastes de crescimento no tratamento da escoliose em crianças menores de 10 / Eficacia y seguridad de las barras de alargamiento en el tratamiento de escoliosis en niños menores de 10 años

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of growing rods in the treatment of scoliosis in children aged under 10 years. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of patients under 10 with scoliosis, treated with growing rods from the period between 1997 and 2012. Results: We identified 35 patients treated with growing rods who met the selection criteria. The average age at the start of treatment was 5.9 ± 2.3 years. Most of the patients (51.4%) showed idiopathic etiology scoliosis. Pre-surgery and post-surgery radiographic change showed a 47.7% reduction in Cobb angle (p>0.001). We identified 8 patients with some complication, the most prevalent being instrumentation failure (22.9%). The only predicting factor for post-operative complications was the total number of lengthenings performed (OR=7.03; CI 95% [1.1-45.4]; p=0.040). Conclusions: Treatment of scoliosis with growing rods in patients aged under 10 achieved a significant reduction in the magnitude of the deformity before final bone fusion. However, the rate of complications is rather high, therefore we recommend reducing the frequency of lengthenings to the minimum needed to maintain correction and longitudinal growth of the spine. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a eficácia e segurança de hastes de crescimento no tratamento de escoliose em crianças menores de 10 anos. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes menores de 10 anos com escoliose, tratados com hastes de crescimento entre 1997 e 2012. Resultados: Identificamos 35 pacientes, que foram tratados com hastes de crescimento, que satisfizeram os critérios de seleção. A idade média no início do tratamento foi de 5,9 ± 2,3 anos. A maioria dos pacientes (51,4%) apresentou escoliose de etiologia idiopática. A alteração radiográfica pré e pós-operatória mostra uma redução de 47,7% do ângulo de Cobb (p> 0,001). Foram identificados 8 pacientes com alguma complicação, sendo falha de instrumentação a mais prevalente (229%). O único fator preditivo para complicações pós-operatórias foi o número total de alongamentos realizados (OR = 7,03; IC95% [1,1-45,4]; p = 0,040). Conclusão: O tratamento para escoliose em pacientes com menos de 10 anos com hastes de crescimento alcançou uma redução significativa na magnitude da deformidade antes da fusão óssea final. No entanto, a frequência de complicações é bastante alta e, para isso, recomendamos reduzir ao mínimo a frequência de alongamentos, a fim de manter a correção e o crescimento longitudinal da coluna. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia y seguridad de las barras de alargamiento en el tratamiento de la escoliosis en niños menores de 10 años. Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de registros médicos de pacientes menores de 10 años con escoliosis, tratados mediante barras de alargamiento entre 1997 y 2012. Resultados: Se identificaron 35 pacientes tratados con barras de alargamiento que satisfacían los criterios de selección. El promedio de edad al inicio del tratamiento fue de 5,9 ± 2,3 años. La mayoría de los pacientes (51,4%) tenían escoliosis de etiología idiopática. El cambio radiográfico prequirúrgico y postquirúrgico mostró reducción del 47,7% en el ángulo de Cobb (p > 0,001). Se identificaron 8 pacientes con alguna complicación, siendo el fallo del instrumental más prevalente (22,9%). El único factor predictor de complicaciones postoperatorias fue el número total de alargamientos realizados (OR = 7,03; IC 95% [1,1-45,4]; p = 0,040). Conclusiones: El tratamiento de la escoliosis con barras de alargamiento en pacientes menores de 10 años logró una reducción significativa de la magnitud de la deformidad antes de la fusión ósea definitiva. Sin embargo, la tasa de complicaciones es bastante alta, por lo cual se recomienda disminuir la frecuencia de alargamientos al mínimo necesario para mantener la corrección y el crecimiento longitudinal de la columna vertebral. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Serie de Casos.

Experiencia en la implementación de un protocolo para el tamizaje de escoliosis idiopática del adolescente en instituciones educativas de Bogotá / Implementation of a Protocol for Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis Screening. A Successful experience / Implementação de um protocolo para rastreamento de escoliose idiopática do adolescente. Uma experiência de sucess

Introducción: La escoliosis idiopática del adolescente es una deformidad tridimensional de la columna vertebral con un ángulo >10° en el plano coronal, medido por el método de Cobb, y que afecta a la población entre 10 y 18 años. Aunque se desconocen los mecanismos precisos que llevan a la presentación de esta deformidad, se sugiere que presenta un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante con penetrancia incompleta. Las curvas <20° reciben manejo expectante, las curvas entre 21° y 39° reciben manejo ortésico y el resto de curvas tendrían indicación quirúrgica. Debido a la complejidad y el costo de la cirugía, el beneficio del tratamiento ortésico y el impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de los pacientes que un diagnóstico tardío puede traer, se ha sugerido la implementación de programas para la detección temprana de esta patología. Objetivos: Narrar de forma breve la experiencia en la aplicación, así como las incidencias y los resultados preliminares, de un protocolo de investigación para el tamizaje de escoliosis. Desarrollo de la experiencia: Durante 2016 se tamizó a 387 estudiantes de dos instituciones educativas de la ciudad de Bogotá. La prevalencia de sospecha de escoliosis fue del 41,3 %. No hubo correlación entre la evaluación de los profesores con los médicos. Solo el 15 % de los participantes asistió a la cita para diagnóstico con especialista en columna; sin embargo, el 76 % de estos presentaron un diagnóstico asociado a deformidad de la columna vertebral. Se añadió una nueva institución para aumentar el impacto social del estudio. Discusión: El alto porcentaje de estudiantes que se beneficiaron de un diagnóstico temprano y la instauración de tratamiento aboga a favor y permite sugerir la utilidad de estos programas de tamizaje; sin embargo, se requiere mayor reconocimiento del problema y más sensibilización por parte de las instituciones educativas para participar en los programas.

Introduction: Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis is a tridimensional deformity of the vertebral spine with an angle greater than 10° measured in the plain view; it is presented in children between 10 and 18 years. Although exact mechanisms by which scoliosis is produced are unknown, it has been suggested that it follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with incomplete penetrance. Curves less than 20° receive expectant treatment, between 21 and 39° orthotic management and the rest have surgical indication. Given the complexity and the cost of surgical procedure, the possible benefits of orthotic treatment and the negative impact in life quality of a delayed diagnosis, screening programs had been implemented for early diagnosis worldwide. Objetive: To briefly narrate the experience, incidences and preliminary results in the application of a protocol to screen for idiopathic scoliosis. Develop: in 2016, 387 students were screened in two institutions. Prevalence of a positive screening were 41, 3 %. There was no correlation between teacher and doctors' assessments. Only 15 % of participants assist to control appointment at the hospital; however, 76 % of those who assist were found with a spinal deformity. A new institution was recruited in order to enhance the social impact of our work. Discussion: The great amount of students who benefited from an early diagnosis and treatment, allows us to suggest that screening programs like this one are useful; however it requires increase awareness of the problem by schools and parents in order to achieve full involvement.

Introdução: A escoliose idiopática do adolescente é uma deformidade tridimensional da coluna vertebral com um ângulo superior a 10° medido na vista plana; é apresentado em crianças entre 10 e 18 anos. Embora os mecanismos exatos pelos quais a escoliose é produzida sejam desconhecidos, foi sugerido que ela segue um padrão de herança autossômica dominante com penetrância incompleta. Curvas inferiores a 20° recebem tratamento expectante, entre 21 e 39° de tratamento ortopédico e o restante tem indicação cirúrgica. Dada a complexidade e o custo do procedimento cirúrgico, os possíveis benefícios do tratamento ortótico e o impacto negativo na qualidade de vida de um diagnóstico tardio, foram implementados programas de triagem para o diagnóstico precoce em todo o mundo. Objetivo: narrar brevemente a experiência, incidências e resultados preliminares na aplicação de um protocolo para a triagem de escoliose idiopática. Desenvolver: em 2016, 387 alunos foram selecionados em duas instituições. A prevalência de uma triagem positiva foi de 41, 3%. Não houve correlação entre as avaliações de professores e médicos. Apenas 15% dos participantes auxiliam no controle da consulta no hospital; no entanto, 76% dos que assistiram foram encontrados com uma deformidade da coluna vertebral. Uma nova instituição foi recrutada para aumentar o impacto social do nosso trabalho. Discussão: A grande quantidade de estudantes que se beneficiaram de um diagnóstico e tratamento precoces permite sugerir que programas de triagem como este são úteis; no entanto, exige maior conscientização do problema por parte das escolas e dos pais, a fim de alcançar o envolvimento total.

Complicaciones postoperatorias del manejo quirúrgico de escoliosis / Post-operative complications after surgical management of scoliosis

Introducción La tasa de complicaciones en cirugía de escoliosis sigue siendo alta. Lo que buscamos con este estudio es saber que características de los pacientes se relacionan con la presentación de complicaciones perioperatorias y poder usar esta informacion para la toma de medidas preventivas. Materiales y métodos Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con escoliosis llevados a cirugía para corrección de su deformidad, obteniendo 230 pacientes y 318 procedimientos. Variables sociodemográficas fueron evaluadas con medidas de tendencia central, posteriormente se realizó un análisis bivariado y finalmente un análisis de regresión logística multinomial. Resultados Con una p<0,005 se encontró por diagnostico: escoliosis neuromuscular y sindromática un 28,8 y 16,66% de neumonías y una prevalencia de 15,87 y 33,33% de derrame pleural respectivamente. Escoliosis Congénita 1,88% tuvo Infección de vías urinarias. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística obteniendo a la edad como principal predictor para presentación de complicaciones, siendo más frecuentes en los pacientes más jóvenes (p<0,000). Discusión Se encontró que a menor edad mas frecuente era la presentación de complicaciones, resultado no reportado previamente, pero que sirve para respaldar la conducta conservadora en pacientes con escoliosis de inicio temprano. Las complicaciones mas comunes fueron las pulmonares. Escoliosis neuromuscular es el diagnostico que mas complicaciones reportó. Datos comparables con la literatura que se deben tener en cuenta para tomar medidas de prevención y el desarrollo de planes de mejoramiento.

Background The rate of complications in scoliosis surgery remains high. This study intends to determine the characteristics of the patients that are related to the presentation of perioperative complications, and to be able to use this information to take preventive measures. Material and Method Descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study, including 230 patients and 318 procedures, was conducted on patients with scoliosis who underwent surgery to correct their deformity. Socio-demographic variables were evaluated using measures of central tendency measurements, followed by a bivariate analysis, and finally a multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results A significance of P<.005 was found for diagnosis: neuromuscular and syndromic scoliosis presented with 28.8 and 16.66% of pneumonias, and a prevalence of 15.87 and 33.33% for pleural effusion, respectively. A urinary tract infection (1.88%) was observed in Congenital Scoliosis. A logistic regression model was performed, observing age as the main predictor for presenting with complications, and being more frequent in younger patients (P<.000). Discussion It was found that more complications were present in younger patients. This outcome has not been previously reported, but can be used to support conservative behaviour in patients with early-onset scoliosis. The most common complication was pulmonary, with neuromuscular scoliosis being the diagnosis with more complications reported. These data are comparable with those in the literature, and should be taken into account when taking preventive measures and for the development of improvement plans.

Evaluation of the veptr system in the management of spinal deformities between 2008 and 2014 at the roosevelt institute / Avaliação do sistema veptr no tratamento das deformidades espinais entre 2008 e 2014 no instituto roosevelt / Evaluación del sistema veptr en el manejo de deformidades espinales entre 2008 a 2014, en el instituto roosevelt

ABSTRACT Objective: Traditional surgical treatments, such as on-site fusion and hemiepiphysiodesis, have not addressed chest deformity in its three dimensions, and are usually insufficient and unpredictable for the management of congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis. The application of the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) is a technique developed to treat early-onset progressive scoliosis that elongates the spine and thoracic wall, allowing adequate lung development. Methods: A case series retrospective study was conducted. We included 23 patients, including fifteen females and eight males diagnosed with congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis, who were treated with VEPTR type implants between January 2008 and May 2014. We obtained data about the implant and pre and postoperative radiographic images to assess the magnitude of the curve, and we measured the Cobb angle and length after lengthening, as well as evaluating the complications found. Results: There was an improvement in the postoperative Cobb angle. In patients with congenital scoliosis, deformity correction was 8.6% (p=0.014), and in neuromuscular scoliosis, we observed deformity correction of 19.5% (p=0.009). Likewise, we found gains in thoracic height through the device, which results in an average 10% lengthening of the spine in congenital scoliosis. In this study, we identified complications such as material migrations, rib synostosis, pressure zones, rib fracture, hemothorax, and deep wound infection. Conclusion: The natural history of progressive spinal deformity was improved in most of the minors, through the use of VEPTR. This allows us to continue managing patients in the future, in order to make a deeper assessment of its performance in treatment of early onset scoliosis. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic studies - Investigating the results of a treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os tratamentos cirúrgicos tradicionais, como a fusão no local e o hemiepifisiodese, não abordam a deformidade torácica em suas três dimensões e, em geral, revelam-se insuficientes e imprevisíveis para o tratamento da escoliose congênita e neuromuscular. A aplicação de Rib Vertical de Titânio Protético Expansível (VEPTR) é uma técnica desenvolvida para tratar a escoliose progressiva de início precoce, que alonga a parede da coluna e do tórax, permitindo um desenvolvimento pulmonar adequado. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de série de casos. Foram incluídos 23 pacientes, incluindo quinze mulheres e oito homens diagnosticados com escoliose congênita e neuromuscular, que foram tratados com implantes do tipo VEPTR entre janeiro de 2008 e maio de 2014. Foram obtidos dados sobre o implante; imagens radiográficas pré e pós-operatórias para avaliar a magnitude da curva e medimos o ângulo de Cobb e o comprimento após o alongamento, assim como avaliamos as complicações encontradas. Resultados: Melhora no ângulo pós-operatório de Cobb. Nos pacientes com escoliose congênita, a correção da deformidade foi de 8,6% (p = 0,014), e na escoliose neuromuscular observamos uma correção da deformidade de 19,5% (p = 0,009). Da mesma forma, encontramos ganhos na altura torácica através do dispositivo, o que resulta em uma média de 10% de alongamento da coluna vertebral na escoliose congênita. Neste estudo, identificamos complicações como migração de material, sinostose de costelas, zonas de pressão, fratura de costela, hemotórax e infecção profunda da ferida. Conclusão: A história natural da deformidade da coluna vertebral progressiva melhorou na maioria dos menores, através do uso de VEPTR. Isso nos permite continuar administrando pacientes no futuro, a fim de fazer uma avaliação mais profunda de seu desempenho no tratamento da escoliose de início precoce. Nível de evidência III; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Los tratamientos quirúrgicos tradicionales, como la fusión in situ y la hemiepifisiodesis no abordan la deformidad torácica en sus tres dimensiones y, en general, resultan insuficientes e impredecibles para el tratamiento de la escoliosis congénita y neuromuscular. El uso del sistema VEPTR (prótesis vertical expansible de titanio) es una técnica desarrollada para tratar la escoliosis progresiva de inicio temprano alargando la pared de la columna y del tórax, que permite el desarrollo pulmonar adecuado. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos. Se incluyeron 23 pacientes, quince mujeres y ocho hombres con diagnóstico de escoliosis congénita y neuromuscular, tratados con implante tipo VEPTR entre enero de 2008 y mayo de 2014. Se obtuvieron datos sobre el implante e imágenes radiográficas pre y posoperatorias para evaluar la magnitud de la curva, y se midieron el ángulo de Cobb y la longitud luego del alargamiento, así como evaluamos complicaciones encontradas. Resultados: Se demostró mejoría en el ángulo de Cobb postoperatorio. En los pacientes con escoliosis congénita, la corrección de la deformidad fue del 8,6% (p = 0,014) y en la escoliosis neuromuscular, observamos corrección del 19,5% (p = 0,009). De la misma forma, encontramos aumentos en la altura torácica con el dispositivo, lo que resulta en un alargamiento promedio del 10% de la columna vertebral en escoliosis congénita. En este estudio, identificamos complicaciones como migración de material, sinostosis de costillas, zonas de presión, fractura de costillas, hemotórax e infección profunda de la herida. Conclusión: La historia natural de la deformidad progresiva de la columna vertebral mejoró en la mayoría de los niños con el uso del VEPTR. Esto nos permite seguir tratando pacientes en el futuro, a fin de hacer una evaluación más profunda de su desempeño en el tratamiento de la escoliosis de inicio temprano. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Outcomes and complications of S2 alar iliac fixation technique in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis: experience in a third level pediatric hospital.

BACKGROUND: Multiple techniques are utilized for distal fixation in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. Although there is evidence of benefit with S2 alar iliac (S2AI) fixation, this remains controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the radiological outcomes and complications associated with this surgical technique in a pediatric population. METHODS: An observational retrospective case series study was performed. All pediatric patients between January 2011 and February 2014 diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis associated with pelvic obliquity, which required surgery with fixation unto S2AI, were included. Clinical, radiological findings, and adverse events were presented with measures of central tendency. Comparison of deformity correction was carried out using a non-parametric analysis for related samples (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis that met inclusion criteria were analyzed. The leading cause of neuromuscular scoliosis in 23 (74.2%) patients was spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The correction of pelvic obliquity in the immediate postoperative period was of 76%, which is statistically significant. The extent of correction that patients maintained at the end of the follow-up was analyzed, and it was found that there were no significant differences in this magnitude, compared with the immediate postoperative pelvic obliquity. The mean follow-up time was 9±7 months. Regarding postoperative adverse events, occurred in 64.5% of patients, the most common outcome was pneumonia (14.8%). The overall rate of complications related to instrumentation was low (1.9%), which corresponds to one patient with an intra-articular screw in the left hip that required repositioning. CONCLUSIONS: S2AI fixation for the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis is a safe alternative, in which the onset of adverse events is related to the comorbidities of patients instead of the surgical procedure itself. An approximate correction of 76% of pelvic obliquity is maintained during the follow-up.

KV1 and KV3 Potassium Channels Identified at Presynaptic Terminals of the Corticostriatal Synapses in Rat.

In the last years it has been increasingly clear that KV-channel activity modulates neurotransmitter release. The subcellular localization and composition of potassium channels are crucial to understanding its influence on neurotransmitter release. To investigate the role of KV in corticostriatal synapses modulation, we combined extracellular recording of population-spike and pharmacological blockage with specific and nonspecific blockers to identify several families of KV channels. We induced paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and studied the changes in paired-pulse ratio (PPR) before and after the addition of specific KV blockers to determine whether particular KV subtypes were located pre- or postsynaptically. Initially, the presence of KV channels was tested by exposing brain slices to tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine; in both cases we observed a decrease in PPR that was dose dependent. Further experiments with tityustoxin, margatoxin, hongotoxin, agitoxin, dendrotoxin, and BDS-I toxins all rendered a reduction in PPR. In contrast heteropodatoxin and phrixotoxin had no effect. Our results reveal that corticostriatal presynaptic KV channels have a complex stoichiometry, including heterologous combinations KV1.1, KV1.2, KV1.3, and KV1.6 isoforms, as well as KV3.4, but not KV4 channels. The variety of KV channels offers a wide spectrum of possibilities to regulate neurotransmitter release, providing fine-tuning mechanisms to modulate synaptic strength.

G-protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channels involved in corticostriatal presynaptic modulation.

Presynaptic modulation has been associated mainly with calcium channels but recent data suggests that inward rectifier potassium channels (K(IR)) also play a role. In this work we set to characterize the role of presynaptic K(IR) channels in corticostriatal synaptic transmission. We elicited synaptic potentials in striatum by stimulating cortical areas and then determined the synaptic responses of corticostriatal synapsis by using paired pulse ratio (PPR) in the presence and absence of several potassium channel blockers. Unspecific potassium channels blockers Ba(2+) and Cs(+) reduced the PPR, suggesting that these channels are presynaptically located. Further pharmacological characterization showed that application of tertiapin-Q, a specific K(IR)3 channel family blocker, also induced a reduction of PPR, suggesting that K(IR)3 channels are present at corticostriatal terminals. In contrast, exposure to Lq2, a specific K(IR)1.1 inward rectifier potassium channel, did not induce any change in PPR suggesting the absence of these channels in the presynaptic corticostriatal terminals. Our results indicate that K(IR)3 channels are functionally expressed at the corticostriatal synapses, since blockage of these channels result in PPR decrease. Our results also help to explain how synaptic activity may become sensitive to extracellular signals mediated by G-protein coupled receptors. A vast repertoire of receptors may influence neurotransmitter release in an indirect manner through regulation of K(IR)3 channels.

Presencia de alteraciones en otros sistemas asociados a escoliosis congénita / Abnormalities in other systems associated with congenital scoliosis

Realizamos un estudio observacional, tipo serie de casos, para determinar la asociación entre la escoliosis congénita y los defectos congénitos: intra espinales, cardíacos y renales; evaluando así la utilidad de solicitar en todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de escoliosis congénita: una resonancia magnética de columna total, un ecocardiograma y una ecografía renal como estudios rutinarios una vez diagnosticada la escoliosis. Se revisaron 57 pacientes tratados en el Instituto Roosevelt con diagnóstico de escoliosis congénita desde enero de 1994 hasta diciembre de 2004. Todos los pacientes presentaban por lo menos una alteración en algún sistema diferente al músculo esquelético. Las alteraciones intra espinales (64,91%), los defectos congénitos cardíacos (40,35%) y renales (28,07%), mostraron porcentajes elevados de asociación. Consideramos que dado el alto porcentaje de concordancia entre la escoliosis y los defectos congénitos en otros sistemas, se justifica la realización rutinaria de estudios complementarios.

Hemivertebrectomía y fijacion con cable de titanio en escoliosis congénita en menores de 5 años. Descripción de la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados tempranos. Enero de 1999 – julio de 2003. Instituto de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt / Hemivertebrectomy and fixation with titanium cable for congenital scoliosis in children younger than five years

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo tipo serie de casos. El objetivo general fue describir los resultados y el comportamiento de los pacientes con diagnóstico de escoliosis congénita secundaria a hemivértebras, tratados con hemivertebrectomía y fijación con cable de titanio. Existen varias modalidades de tratamiento quirúrgico que incluyen: fusión anterior, fusión posterior, hemiepifisiodesis y hemivertebrectomías con o sin instrumentación. La instrumentación en niños menores de cinco años es difícil de realizar debido a que los instrumentales pediátricos son grandes para este grupo de edad. Fueron realizadas 11 hemivertebrectomías en 10 niños entre enero de 1999 y diciembre de 2003. Fueron evaluados clínica y radiológicamente al ingreso, en el posquirúrgico y durante el seguimiento de 12 meses en promedio. El ángulo de la deformidad prequirúrgico fue de 40.8° y 20.4° después de la cirugía y 12.4° en el seguimiento final. Se presentó una infección superficial y una ruptura de uno de los 2 cables. El tiempo quirúrgico para la vía doble fue de 7.1 horas y para la vía posterior de 3.6 horas. El sangrado por la doble vía fue de 656 cc y para la vía posterior de 186 cc. La resección de las hemivértebras y la fijación con cable de titanio son una alternativa segura y eficaz en el tratamiento de la escoliosis congénita en niños pequeños.

Diseño de una instrumentación anterior para columna

Se diseñó un nuevo sistema de instrumentación anterior para columna torácica y lumbar, el cual cumplía con los requisitos de tamaño, rigidez, estabilidad y facilidad de aplicación. Se comparó esta instrumentación con la de harrington, Luque y Harri-Luque, aplicando fuerzas de compresión, flexión, extensión e inclinación lateral y midiendo la deformación que se producía en cada una de ellas. Para ésto se utilizaron columnas de cerdo las cuales eran preparadas y analizadas en el laboratorio. Se encontró que el instrumental diseñado por nosotros se deformaba menos que los otros tipos de instrumental al ser sometido a cargas iguales y en todas las pruebas realizadas se demostró que nuestro instrumental tenía una mayor rigidez relativa, por el cual se decidió iniciar su aplicación clínica