[Varicella pneumonia in healthy adults. Apropos of 6 cases]. / Neumonía varicelosa en adultos sanos. A propósito de 6 casos.

Varicella is a self-limited, benign disease in childhood. When it affects adults, however, serious complications can develop, the most frequent and most dangerous being pneumonia. Adults who develop varicella should be followed closely, with careful attention given to respiratory symptoms in particular, from the first week the rash is evident until it begins to fade. Should pneumonia appear, early start of intravenous acyclovir therapy is indicated in immunodepressed or pregnant patients, or in immunocompetent patients with respiratory problems.

[Level of compliance in the treatment of sleep obstructive apnea syndrome with nasal continuous positive pressure]. / Nivel de cumplimiento en el tratamiento del síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño con presión positiva continua nasal.

The therapy of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) eliminates symptoms of OSAS and is currently the non-surgical therapy of choice. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the compliance with such therapy in our setting, the factors associated with it, and the secondary effects. A sample of 88 patients diagnosed with OSAS and undergoing CPAP followed for a period of 29 +/- 11 months was studied. The results showed that compliance among our patients, as measured by time counter, was 70% and was associated with drowsiness degree, apnea/hypopnea index, and mean pressure of CPAP. The subjective evaluation of compliance by patients overestimates the actual use of the CPAP device. There was a high satisfaction degree with therapy, and secondary effects were not a limiting factor for compliance. The therapeutical approach of the patient must be on an individual basis if a good acceptance level is to be achieved.

[Metastatic pulmonary fibrosarcoma: apropos a case and a review of the literature]. / Fibrosarcoma pulmonar metastásico: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Fibrosarcoma is a rare entity that affects soft tissues in a variety of locations, although it is most commonly found on the extremities. Local recurrence is frequent and metastasis usually takes place in pulmonary tissues early on, within a mean interval of 12 months. We present a case of pulmonary metastasis after fibrosarcoma of the leg that had been diagnosed and treated 14 years earlier.

[Acute pancreatitis and sarcoidosis: a case report and review of the literature]. / Pancreatitis aguda y sarcoidosis: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

We describe a case of sarcoidosis that began as acute pancreatitis. Diagnosis was established by mediastinoscopy. Although involvement of the pancreas is rare and in general asymptomatic, we conclude that sarcoidosis should be included in the long list of factors that can trigger acute pancreatitis.