Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of pathogens isolated from patients with urine tract infections admitted to a university hospital in a medium-sized Brazilian city.

This study aimed to determine the antibiotic profile of microorganisms isolated from urine samples of patients with community urine tract infections (UTI) admitted to the University Hospital of the Federal University of Sao Carlos to support an appropriate local empirical treatment. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to October 2020. Data from 1,528 positive urine cultures for bacterial pathogens and antibiograms were tabulated. Bacterial species prevalence and their resistance profile were analyzed and compared by sex and age. For Gram-negative fermenting bacteria, resistance rates were compared between patients with previous hospitalization and the total of infections caused by this group. For comparisons, the Chi-square test was performed, using Fisher's exact test when necessary (BioEstat program, adopting p ≤ 0.05). A multivariate analysis was applied to assess the effect of the studied variables in predicting multidrug resistance. Infections were more prevalent in women and older adults. Gram-negative bacteria represented 90.44% of total cultures. In both sexes, E. coli prevalence was significantly higher in adults compared with older adults (p < 0.0001). For several antibiotics, resistance rates were higher in the older adults compared with other ages and in patients with Gram-negative fermenting infections and previous hospitalization compared with the total of infections by this group of bacteria. The closer to the hospitalization, the higher the number of antibiotics with superior resistance rates. Resistance rates for aminoglycosides, carbapenems, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, piperacillin+tazobactam, and fosfomycin were less than 20%, considered adequate for empirical treatment. Only hospitalization in the previous 90 days was statistically significant in predicting infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of pathogens isolated from patients with urine tract infections admitted to a university hospital in a medium-sized Brazilian city

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the antibiotic profile of microorganisms isolated from urine samples of patients with community urine tract infections (UTI) admitted to the University Hospital of the Federal University of Sao Carlos to support an appropriate local empirical treatment. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to October 2020. Data from 1,528 positive urine cultures for bacterial pathogens and antibiograms were tabulated. Bacterial species prevalence and their resistance profile were analyzed and compared by sex and age. For Gram-negative fermenting bacteria, resistance rates were compared between patients with previous hospitalization and the total of infections caused by this group. For comparisons, the Chi-square test was performed, using Fisher's exact test when necessary (BioEstat program, adopting p ≤ 0.05). A multivariate analysis was applied to assess the effect of the studied variables in predicting multidrug resistance. Infections were more prevalent in women and older adults. Gram-negative bacteria represented 90.44% of total cultures. In both sexes, E. coli prevalence was significantly higher in adults compared with older adults (p < 0.0001). For several antibiotics, resistance rates were higher in the older adults compared with other ages and in patients with Gram-negative fermenting infections and previous hospitalization compared with the total of infections by this group of bacteria. The closer to the hospitalization, the higher the number of antibiotics with superior resistance rates. Resistance rates for aminoglycosides, carbapenems, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, piperacillin+tazobactam, and fosfomycin were less than 20%, considered adequate for empirical treatment. Only hospitalization in the previous 90 days was statistically significant in predicting infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Primary headache disorders in Latin America and the Caribbean: A meta-analysis of population-based studies.

BACKGROUND: In this manuscript, we aim to systematically estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of primary headaches and its subtypes (migraine, tension-type headache, and chronic headaches) in Latin America and the Caribbean, describing its epidemiological profile and associated factors. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and LILACS (From conception to March 2021), for populational studies reporting the epidemiology of primary headaches and their associated factors in Latin America and the Caribbean. The data extraction was conducted independently. We performed random-effect model meta-analysis of prevalence (overall primary headaches and by subtypes) and associated factors, assessed potential sources of heterogeneity, the risk of bias, publication bias, and the evidence certainty (GRADE methodology). RESULTS: We included 32 populational studies (38 subpopulations, n = 63,813). The prevalence of primary headaches was 41.4% (95% CI 31.1-52.2%; n = 54,357), 15% for migraine (95% CI 12.0-18.3; n = 53,658 individuals), 20.6% for tension-type headache (95% CI 12.4-30.2; n = 25,840), and 6% for chronic headaches (95% CI 3.3-9.6; n = 21,720), with high between-study heterogeneity. No incidence data was found. Female sex, white ethnicity, high BMI, comorbid mental health disorders, and low-back pain were associated with higher prevalence of primary headaches. The prevalence was less in rural areas. CONCLUSION: In Latin America and the Caribbean, primary headaches are highly prevalent affecting young females disproportionally. The prevalence of chronic headaches is higher than in other systematic global and regional estimations. The presence of comorbidities as modifiable risk factors should encourage their integration as targets for community-based preventive and therapeutic interventions. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018105116.

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) dispersion in Havana City, Cuba, 1995-2018.

Various arboviruses are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two invasive and frequently sympatric species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dispersion and the behavior of Ae. albopictus in relation to houses and its association with other mosquitoes in the province of Havana, Cuba. All water-containing deposits in the houses or vacant lots in urban and peri­urban municipalities of the province of Havana were sampled during the two study periods: 1995-1999 and 2010-2018. The following patterns in the presence of Ae. albopictus in the study area were observed: a persistent absence of Ae. albopictus in one of the municipalities; a rapid dispersion in the second period, staring from the absence of vector in the first period, in tow other municipalities; and a sustained decrease in the dispersion of Ae.albopictus in two other municipalities. The peripheral municipalities noted the highest presence of Ae. albopictus, but few associations with other mosquitoes. However, overall, we found an increase in this association when comparing the period 2010-2018 with the first period. Ae. albopictus was present in 8% (2016) to 21.5% (2013) inside the houses with an average of 15%, which evidences an initial domiciliation of the species. The results obtained in this work show an initiation of domiciliation of Ae. albopictus in the urban area of the province of Havana. This is important to alert the National Control Program to strengthen the entomological monitoring of Ae. albopictus, and not only Ae. aegypti. The follow-up of this domiciliation is important to guide control efforts, knowing its role as a vector of different arboviruses.

Coping With Urban Habitats Via Glucocorticoid Regulation: Physiology, Behavior, and Life History in Stream Fishes.

As environments become urbanized, tolerant species become more prevalent. The physiological, behavioral and life-history mechanisms associated with the success of such species in urbanized habitats are not well understood, especially in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we examined the glucocorticoid (GC) profiles, life-history traits, and behavior of two species of fish across a gradient of urbanization to understand coping capacity and associated trade-offs. We studied the tolerant live-bearing Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) for two years and the slightly less tolerant, egg-laying, Blacktail Shiner (Cyprinella venusta) for one year. We used a water-borne hormone method to examine baseline, stress-induced, and recovery cortisol release rates across six streams with differing degrees of urbanization. We also measured life-history traits related to reproduction, and for G. affinis, we measured shoaling behavior and individual activity in a novel arena. Both species showed a trend for reduced stress responsiveness in more urbanized streams, accompanied by higher reproductive output. Although not all populations fit this trend, these results suggest that GC suppression may be adaptive for coping with urban habitats. In G. affinis, GC recovery increased with urbanization, and individuals with the lowest stress response and highest recovery had the greatest reproductive allotment, suggesting that rapid return to baseline GC levels is also an important coping mechanism. In G. affinis, urban populations showed altered life-history trade-offs whereas behavioral traits did not vary systematically with urbanization. Thus, these tolerant species of fish may cope with anthropogenically modified streams by altering their GC profiles and life-history trade-offs. These results contribute to understanding the mechanisms driving species-specific adaptations and thereby community structure in freshwater systems associated with land-use converted areas.

Clinical Pathway for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A First Proposal for the Peruvian Population.

Background: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a subtype of degenerative inflammatory demyelinating disease of multifactorial origin that affects the central nervous system and leads to multifocal neurological impairment. Objectives: To develop a clinical pathway (CP) for the management of Peruvian patients with RRMS. Methods: First, we performed a literature review using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Science direct. Then, we structured the information as an ordered and logical series of five topics in a defined timeline: (1) How should MS be diagnosed? (2) How should a relapse be treated? (3) How should a DMT be initiated? (4) How should each DMT be used? and (5) How should the patients be followed? Results: The personnel involved in the care of patients with RRMS can use a series of flowcharts and diagrams that summarize the topics in paper or electronic format. Conclusions: We propose the first CP for RRMS in Peru that shows the essential steps for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring RRMS patients based on an evidence-based medicine method and local expert opinions. This CP will allow directing relevant clinical actions to strengthen the multidisciplinary management of RRMS in Peru.

Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), describing trends over time, and exploring potential clinical and epidemiological factors explaining the heterogeneity in the region. METHODS: Observational studies assessing the incidence or prevalence of epilepsy in LAC countries up to March 2020 were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Meta-analyses and cumulative analyses were performed using random-effects models. We assessed between-study heterogeneity with sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses. Moreover, the quality of the included studies and the certainty of evidence were evaluated using the GRADE (grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation) approach. RESULTS: Overall, 40 studies (from 42 records) were included, 37 for prevalence analyses and six for incidence (312 387 inhabitants; 410 178 person-years). The lifetime prevalence was 14.09 per 1000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.72-16.67), for active epilepsy prevalence was 9.06 per 1000 individuals (95% CI = 6.94-11.44), and the incidence rate was 1.11 per 1000 person-years (95% CI = .65-1.70). These high estimates have been constant in the region since 1990. However, substantial statistical heterogeneity between studies and publication bias were found. The overall certainty of evidence was low. Methodological aspects (sample size) and countries' epidemiological characteristics such as access to sanitation services and child and adult mortality rates explained the high heterogeneity. Finally, the prevalence of epilepsy associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in the general population was high, and the proportion of NCC diagnosis among people living with epilepsy was 17.37%. SIGNIFICANCE: The epilepsy prevalence and incidence in LAC are higher than worldwide estimates, being constant since 1990 and strongly influenced by NCC. We identified high between-study heterogeneity and significant methodological limitations (e.g., heterogeneous definitions, lack of longitudinal studies). The region needs upgraded research using standardized definitions and diagnostic methods, and urgent action against preventable causes.

Chronic meningitis as an initial presentation of Sjögren syndrome / La meningitis crónica como presentación inicial del síndrome de Sjögren

ABSTRACT Sjögren syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease, rarely affecting the central nervous system. The case is reported on a 68-year-old male patient who presented with keratocon-junctivitis sicca and xerostomia, during neuropsychological evaluation showed moderate to severe multidomain cognitive impairment. The magnetic resonance showed evidence of hypertrophic pachymeningitis. The CSF study showed pleocytosis, mild proteinuria, and negative cultures. The immune positive profile, Anti SS-A, SS-B and salivary gland biopsy was compatible with SS. The treatment was started with methylprednisolone pulses at a dose of 1g every 24 h for three days, and controlled with maintenance therapy, showing a favorable response. Chronic meningitis is a diagnostic challenge; among the less common causes is hypertrophic pachymeningitis in SS, and less frequently in male patients (1/9). Non-specific neurological manifestations should be considered, such as headaches or neuropsychiatric symptoms, as on some occasions rare cases may be encountered, such as the one described.

RESUMEN El síndrome de Sjögren (SS) es una enfermedad autoinmune que rara vez afecta al sistema nervioso central. En este informe de caso describimos a un paciente varón, de 68 años, que presentó queratoconjuntivitis seca y xerostomía, y a la evaluación neuropsicológica mostró deterioro cognitivo multidominio en grado de moderado a grave. La resonancia magnética mostró evidencia de paquimeningitis hipertrófica. El estudio del LCR mostró pleocitosis, proteinuria leve y cultivos negativos; el perfil inmunológico positivo anti SS-A, SS-B y la biopsia de la glándula salival compatible con SS. El tratamiento se inició con pulsos de metilprednisolona a una dosis de 1 g/cada 24 h/durante 3 días, control con terapia de mantenimiento, mostrando una respuesta favorable. La meningitis crónica es un desafío para el diagnóstico, entre las causas menos frecuentes está la paquimeningitis hipertrófica en el SS, y con menor frecuencia en los pacientes varones (1/9). Se deben considerar manifestaciones neurológicas inespecíficas, como dolores de cabeza o síntomas neuropsiquiátricos, ya que en algunas ocasiones podemos enfrentarnos a casos raros como el descrito.

Neurological diseases in Peru: a systematic analysis of the global burden disease study.

BACKGROUND: Disease burden indicators assess the impact of disease on a population. They integrate mortality and disability in a single indicator. This allows setting priorities for health services and focusing resources. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the burden of neurological diseases in Peru from 1990-2015. METHODS: A descriptive study that used the epidemiological data published by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation of Global Burden of Diseases from 1990 to 2015. Disease burden was measured using disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), which results from the addition of the years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD). RESULTS: The burden of neurological diseases in Peru were 9.06 and 10.65%, in 1990 and 2015, respectively. In 2015, the main causes were migraine, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), neonatal encephalopathy (NE), and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (ADD). This last group and nervous system cancer (NSC) increased 157 and 183% of DALY compared to 1990, respectively. Young population (25 to 44 years old) and older (>85 years old) were the age groups with the highest DALY. The neurological diseases produced 11.06 and 10.02% of the national YLL (CVD as the leading cause) and YLD (migraine as the main cause), respectively. CONCLUSION: The burden of disease (BD) increased by 1.6% from 1990 to 2015. The main causes were migraine, CVD, and NE. ADD and NSC doubled the DALY in this period. These diseases represent a significant cause of disability attributable to the increase in the life expectancy of our population among other factors. Priority actions should be taken to prevent and treat these causes.

Neurological diseases in Peru: a systematic analysis of the global burden disease study / Enfermedades neurológicas en el Perú: un análisis sistemático del Global Burden Disease Study

ABSTRACT Background: Disease burden indicators assess the impact of disease on a population. They integrate mortality and disability in a single indicator. This allows setting priorities for health services and focusing resources. Objective: To analyze the burden of neurological diseases in Peru from 1990-2015. Methods: A descriptive study that used the epidemiological data published by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation of Global Burden of Diseases from 1990 to 2015. Disease burden was measured using disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), which results from the addition of the years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD). Results: The burden of neurological diseases in Peru were 9.06 and 10.65%, in 1990 and 2015, respectively. In 2015, the main causes were migraine, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), neonatal encephalopathy (NE), and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (ADD). This last group and nervous system cancer (NSC) increased 157 and 183% of DALY compared to 1990, respectively. Young population (25 to 44 years old) and older (>85 years old) were the age groups with the highest DALY. The neurological diseases produced 11.06 and 10.02% of the national YLL (CVD as the leading cause) and YLD (migraine as the main cause), respectively. Conclusion: The burden of disease (BD) increased by 1.6% from 1990 to 2015. The main causes were migraine, CVD, and NE. ADD and NSC doubled the DALY in this period. These diseases represent a significant cause of disability attributable to the increase in the life expectancy of our population among other factors. Priority actions should be taken to prevent and treat these causes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los indicadores de carga de la enfermedad evalúan el impacto que producen las enfermedades en una población. Integran la mortalidad y discapacidad en un solo indicador. Esto permite fijar prioridades para los servicio de salud y enfocar los recursos. Objetivo: Analizar los datos de carga de enfermedades neurológicas en Perú para el periodo 1990-2015. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de datos del The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation de carga de enfermedad global desde el año 1990 al 2015. La medida de carga de la enfermedad utilizada fue los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad y sus correspondientes intervalos de incertidumbre (95%), que resultan de la suma de los años de vida perdidos debido a muerte prematura y los vividos con discapacidad. Resultados: La carga de enfermedades neurológicas en Perú fue de 9,06 y 10,65% en 1990 y 2015, respectivamente. En 2015, las principales causas fueron: migraña, enfermedad cerebrovascular, encefalopatía neonatal, enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias. Este último grupo y el cáncer del sistema nervioso presentaron un incremento del 157 y 183% de los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad con respecto a 1990, respectivamente. Los adultos jóvenes (25 a 44 años) y adultos mayores (>85 años) fueron los grupos de edad con más años de vida ajustado por discapacidad. Las enfermedades neurológicas produjeron el 11.06 y el 10.02% de los años de vida perdidos debido a muerte prematura (enfermedad cerebrovascular como la causa principal) y años vividos con discapacidad (migraña como la causa principal), respectivamente. Conclusiones: La carga de la enfermedad aumentó un 1,6% entre 1990 y 2015. Las principales causas fueron migraña, la enfermedad cerebrovascular y la encefalopatía neonatal. La enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias y cáncer del sistema nervioso duplicaron los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad en este período. Estas enfermedades representan una causa importante de discapacidad atribuible al aumento de la esperanza de vida de nuestra población, entre otros factores. Se deben tomar medidas prioritarias para prevenir y tratar estas causas.

PubTerm: a web tool for organizing, annotating and curating genes, diseases, molecules and other concepts from PubMed records.

Background and objective: Analysis, annotation and curation of biomedical scientific literature is a recurrent task in biomedical research, database curation and clinics. Commonly, the reading is centered on concepts such as genes, diseases or molecules. Database curators may also need to annotate published abstracts related to a specific topic. However, few free and intuitive tools exist to assist users in this context. Therefore, we developed PubTerm, a web tool to organize, categorize, curate and annotate a large number of PubMed abstracts related to biological entities such as genes, diseases, chemicals, species, sequence variants and other related information. Methods: A variety of interfaces were implemented to facilitate curation and annotation, including the organization of abstracts by terms, by the co-occurrence of terms or by specific phrases. Information includes statistics on the occurrence of terms. The abstracts, terms and other related information can be annotated and categorized using user-defined categories. The session information can be saved and restored, and the data can be exported to other formats. Results: The pipeline in PubTerm starts by specifying a PubMed query or list of PubMed identifiers. Then, the user can specify three lists of categories and specify what information will be highlighted in which colors. The user then utilizes the `term view' to organize the abstracts by gene, disease, species or other information to facilitate the annotation and categorization of terms or abstracts. Other views also facilitate the exploration of abstracts and connections between terms. We have used PubTerm to quickly and efficiently curate collections of more than 400 abstracts that mention more than 350 genes to generate revised lists of susceptibility genes for diseases. An example is provided for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Conclusions: PubTerm saves time for literature revision by assisting with annotation organization and knowledge acquisition.

Neuro-Behçet's disease in Peru: a case report and literature review. / Enfermedad de neuro-Behçet en Perú: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

Behçet's disease is a vasculitis that can cause inflammatory lesions in multiple organs or systems including the nervous system. Most cases worldwide have been reported along what is called the "Silk Route" from the Mediterranean region to Japan, so it is considered a rare disease in Latin American countries. The frequency of neurological involvement ranges from 5 to 13%. We present the case of a young adult woman with diagnostic criteria for Behçet's disease and manifestations of neurological disease, as well as a review of the literature.

La enfermedad de Behçet es una vasculitis que puede ocasionar lesiones inflamatorias en múltiples órganos o sistemas como el neurológico. El mayor número de casos a nivel mundial se han reportado a lo largo de la llamada Ruta de la Seda, que va desde la región mediterránea hasta Japón, siendo considerado una enfermedad rara en países latinoamericanos. La frecuencia de afectación neurológica oscila en un rango entre 5 y 13%. Se presenta el caso de una mujer adulta joven con criterios diagnósticos de enfermedad de Behçet y manifestaciones de afectación neurológica, así como una revisión de la literatura en Perú.

Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Non-pregnant Women of Childbearing-Age in Guatemala 2009-2010: Prevalence and Identification of Vulnerable Populations.

INTRODUCTION: Information on folate and vitamin B12 deficiency rates in Guatemala is essential to evaluate the current fortification program. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies among women of childbearing age (WCBA) in Guatemala and to identify vulnerable populations at greater risk for nutrient deficiency. METHODS: A multistage cluster probability study was designed with national and regional representation of nonpregnant WCBA (15-49 years of age). Primary data collection was carried out in 2009-2010. Demographic and health information was collected through face-to-face interviews. Blood samples were collected from 1473 WCBA for serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate and serum vitamin B12. Biochemical concentrations were normalized using geometric means. Prevalence rate ratios were estimated to assess relative differences among different socioeconomic and cultural groups including ethnicity, age, education level, wealth index and rural versus urban locality. RESULTS: National prevalence estimates for deficient serum [<10 nmol per liter (nmol/L)] and RBC folate (<340 nmol/L) concentrations were 5.1 % (95 % CI 3.8, 6.4) and 8.9 % (95 % CI 6.7, 11.7), respectively; for vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) 18.5 % (95 % CI 15.6, 21.3). Serum and RBC folate deficiency prevalences were higher for rural areas than for urban areas (8.0 vs. 2.0 % and 13.5 vs. 3.9 %, respectively). The prevalence of RBC folate deficiency showed wide variation by geographic region (3.2-24.9 %) and by wealth index (4.1-15.1 %). The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency also varied among regions (12.3-26.1 %). CONCLUSIONS: In Guatemala, folate deficiency was more prevalent among indigenous rural and urban poor populations. Vitamin B12 deficiency was widespread among WCBA. Our results suggest the ongoing need to monitor existing fortification programs, in particular regarding its reach to vulnerable populations.

[High resolution for all in the clinics área of a Urology Department]. / Alta resolución para todos en el área de consultas de un Servicio de Urología.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a one-stop clinic in terms of proportion of diagnostic-therapeutic orientation during 2013. METHODS: All patients were referred from primary care facilities in the district of Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain (population 221.705). Previously, referral protocols were agreed. Seven senior urologists participated. 6674 referrals (January-December 2013) were eligible. RESULTS: 4534 referrals (4535/6674, 68%) were eventually evaluable. Patients taking advantage of the one-stop format were significantly younger than those needing extra consultations (chi2<0,001). Overall, reasons for consultation clearly affected the feasibility of the one-stop approach (chi2<0.001), the one-stop policy being substantiated in most consultations due to subfertility (89.4%), male sexual dysfunction (89.2%), testicular complains (88.3%) and other male genital complains (80.3%). On the contrary, extra consultations were the rule for degenerative diseases of the urinary tract (45%), malignancy (57%) and renal colic pain or urinary lithiasis (63.2%). No relationships could be identified between the referral centre and the feasibility of the one-stop approach (p=ns). The multivariate analysis confirmed the independent effect of the health problem (p<0.001) and patient age (p<0002) on the chances of having a successful one-stop approach. CONCLUSIONS: a one-stop philosophy should be the standard for all patients in urology clinics.

Alta resolución para todos en el área de consultas de un Servicio de Urología / High resolution for all in the clinics área of a Urology Department

OBJETIVO: Conseguir la orientación diagnóstico-terapéutica de todos los pacientes atendidos por primera vez en la consulta general de un servicio de urología tras una única visita. MÉTODOS: Las derivaciones bajo análisis procedieron de los servicios de Atención Primaria del distrito de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España (221.705 habitantes). Participaron en la experiencia siete urólogos senior. Previo a la activación del programa se consensuaron con Atención Primaria los criterios para la remisión de pacientes al servicio de urología. Para este estudio se analizó el resultado de las 6.674 primeras visitas consecutivas que tuvieron lugar en el año 2013. RESULTADOS: Finalmente, resultaron evaluables 4.534 derivaciones (4.534/6.674, 68%). En el 77% de los casos se consiguió la orientación diagnóstico-terapéutica tras una única visita. Se detectó una clara relación entre la edad y la resolución del caso (chi2<0,001). Como era previsible, el problema de salud condicionó grandes diferencias en la capacidad resolutiva (chi2<0,001), de manera que la mayor parte de las consultas motivadas por subfertilidad (89,4%), disfunción eréctil (89,2%) y patología testicular (88,3%) pudieron ser resueltas; por el contrario, la resolución del problema de salud tras una única visita no fue la norma en los casos de trastornos degenerativos del aparato urinario (45%), malignidad-sospecha de malignidad (57%) y cálculo urinario-crisis renoureteral (63,2%). El centro de AP de procedencia del paciente no pareció condicionar la posibilidad de resolución (p=ns). Finalmente, el análisis multivariado confirmó el valor predictivo independiente del problema de salud (p < 0,001) y de la edad del paciente (p < 0,002) a la hora de conseguir la orientación diagnóstico-terapéutica tras una única visita. CONCLUSIONES: La alta resolución puede generalizarse a todos los pacientes que consultan por primera vez en un Servicio de Urología

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a one-stop clinic in terms of proportion of diagnostic therapeutic orientation during 2013. METHODS: All patients were referred from primary care facilities in the district of Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain (population 221.705). Previously, referral protocols were agreed. Seven senior urologists participated. 6674 referrals (January-December 2013) were eligible. RESULTS: 4534 referrals (4535/6674, 68%) were eventually evaluable. Patients taking advantage of the one-stop format were significantly younger than those needing extra consultations (chi2<0,001). Overall, reasons for consultation clearly affected the feasibility of the one-stop approach (chi2<0.001), the one-stop policy being substantiated in most consultations due to subfertility (89.4%), male sexual dysfunction (89.2%), testicular complains (88.3%) and other male genital complains (80.3%). On the contrary, extra consultations were the rule for degenerative diseases of the urinary tract (45%), malignancy (57%) and renal colic painor urinary lithiasis (63.2%). No relationships could be identified between the referral centre and the feasibility of the one-stop approach (p=ns). The multivariate analysis confirmed the independent effect of the health problem (p < 0.001) and patient age (p<0002) on the chances of having a successful onestop approach. CONCLUSIONS: a one-stop philosophy should be the standard for all patients in urology clinics

Radiofrequency-treated recurrence of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract after nephroureterectomy.

Local recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) owing to urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is rare. The usual treatment is systemic chemotherapy followed by optional resection of the mass. We introduce the case of a 73-year-old male patient with multiple comorbidities in whom retroperitoneal carcinoma recurrence of 31 mm was diagnosed via positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose about 5 years after he had undergone RNU owing to urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. The patient was treated with computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Later scans with contrast controls showed lack of contrast uptake and a decrease of the lesion's size. Twenty-four months after the procedure, the patient is free of the disease. To date, this is the first case of recurrence of urothelial carcinoma that was treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, thus establishing an alternative to chemotherapy in patients with substantial comorbidities.

Validation of the Subjective Handicap of Epilepsy (SHE) in Brazilian patients with epilepsy.

The objectives of the study were to translate and adapt the Subjective Handicap of Epilepsy (SHE) instrument to Brazilian Portuguese and to determine its psychometric properties for the evaluation of quality of life in patients with epilepsy. A sample of 448 adult patients with epilepsy with different clinical profiles (investigation, preoperative period, postoperative period, and drug treatment follow-up) was evaluated with the SHE and the Epilepsy Surgery Inventory (ESI-55). Exploratory factorial analysis demonstrated that four factors explained 60.47% of the variance and were sensitive to discriminate the different clinical groups, with the preoperative group having the poorest quality of life. Internal consistency ranged from 0.92 to 0.96, and concurrent validity with the ESI-55 was moderate/strong (0.32-0.70). Test-retest reliability was confirmed, with an ICC value of 0.54 (2 days), 0.91 (7 days), and 0.97 (30 days). The SHE had satisfactory psychometric qualities for use in the Brazilian population, similar to those of the original version. The instrument seems to be more adequate in psychometric terms for the postoperative and drug treatment follow-up groups, and its use should be encouraged.

Actualización sobre el síndrome de QT largo congénito / Update on the congenital long QT syndrome

El síndrome de QT largo congénito se caracteriza por la prolongación del intervalo QT y anomalías de la onda T del electrocardiograma, asociados con una predisposición para la aparición de arritmias ventriculares malignas (torsión de puntas), síncope, fibrilación ventricular y muerte súbita (MS) cardíaca. El entrenamiento para realizar las mediciones, la variabilidad de la penetración y de las mutaciones, los solapamientos, las formas mixtas y los síndromes de superposición, pueden dificultar el diagnóstico y con ello, la conducta terapéutica. Esta revisión pretende actualizar aspectos esenciales relacionados con el diagnóstico, bases genéticas, mecanismos fisiopatológicos y moleculares, así como conducta terapéutica, de esta compleja canalopatía...

The congenital long QT syndrome is characterized by a prolongation of the QT interval and T wave abnormalities on the ECG, associated to a predisposition for the appearance of malignant ventricular arrhythmias (torsade de pointes), syncope, ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Training in taking the measurements, penetrance and mutation variability, overlaps, mixed forms and overlap syndrome may all hamper diagnostic and therapeutic management. The present review intends to update essential aspects related to the diagnosis, genetic bases, physiopathological and molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic management of this complex channelopathy...

Actualización sobre el síndrome de QT largo congénito / Update on the congenital long QT syndrome

El síndrome de QT largo congénito se caracteriza por la prolongación del intervalo QT y anomalías de la onda T del electrocardiograma, asociados con una predisposición para la aparición de arritmias ventriculares malignas (torsión de puntas), síncope, fibrilación ventricular y muerte súbita (MS) cardíaca. El entrenamiento para realizar las mediciones, la variabilidad de la penetración y de las mutaciones, los solapamientos, las formas mixtas y los síndromes de superposición, pueden dificultar el diagnóstico y con ello, la conducta terapéutica. Esta revisión pretende actualizar aspectos esenciales relacionados con el diagnóstico, bases genéticas, mecanismos fisiopatológicos y moleculares, así como conducta terapéutica, de esta compleja canalopatía(AU)

The congenital long QT syndrome is characterized by a prolongation of the QT interval and T wave abnormalities on the ECG, associated to a predisposition for the appearance of malignant ventricular arrhythmias (torsade de pointes), syncope, ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Training in taking the measurements, penetrance and mutation variability, overlaps, mixed forms and overlap syndrome may all hamper diagnostic and therapeutic management. The present review intends to update essential aspects related to the diagnosis, genetic bases, physiopathological and molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic management of this complex channelopathy(AU)