Agenesia del páncreas dorsal: reporte de caso y revisión del tema / Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas: case report and topic review

Complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) is an exceedingly rare congenital anomaly, compatible with life. It may be asymptomatic and usually incidentally diagnosed. In symptomatic cases, the clinical manifestations vary from abdominal pain, pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus to exocrine insufficiency with steatorrhea. We present a case report of a 28 year old female with ADP, diagnosed incidentally during radiological evaluation for hyperglycemias in SARS COV2 concomitant affection. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed the absence of, neck, body and tail of the pancreas. Knowing the pancreatic embryogenesis, the clinical presentation of their malformations and the main radiological characteristics is important for the proper diagnosis of these anomalies.

Liver transplantation in adults with acute liver failure: Outcomes from the Argentinean Transplant Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Liver transplantation (LT) for acute liver failure (ALF) still has a high early mortality. We aimed to evaluate changes occurring in recent years and identify risk factors for poor outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from the Argentinean Transplant Registry from two time periods (1998-2005 and 2006-2016). We used survival analysis to evaluate risk of death. RESULTS: A total of 561 patients were listed for LT (69% female, mean age 39.5±16.4 years). Between early and later periods there was a reduction in wait-list mortality from 27% to 19% (p<0.02) and 1-month post-LT survival rates improved from 70% to 82% (p<0.01). Overall, 61% of the patients underwent LT and 22% died on the waiting list. Among those undergoing LT, Cox regression analysis identified prolonged cold ischemia time (HR 1.18 [1.02-1.36] and serum creatinine (HR 1.31 [1.01-1.71]) as independent risk factors of death post-LT. Etiologies of ALF were only available in the later period (N=363) with indeterminate and autoimmune hepatitis accounting for 28% and 26% of the cases, respectively. After adjusting for age, gender, private/public hospital, INR, creatinine and bilirubin, and considering LT as the competing event, indeterminate etiology was significantly associated with death (SHR 1.63 [1.06-2.51] and autoimmune hepatitis presented a trend to improved survival (SHR 0.61 [0.36-1.05]). CONCLUSIONS: Survival of patients with ALF on the waiting list and after LT has significantly improved in recent years. Indeterminate cause and autoimmune hepatitis were the most frequent etiologies of ALF in Argentina and were associated with mortality.

Intra-operative lidocaine in the prevention of vomiting after elective tonsillectomy in children: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative vomiting (POV) is a frequent complication of tonsillectomy in children. In adult patients undergoing abdominal surgeries, the use of intravenous lidocaine infusion can prevent POV. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-emetic effect of an intravenous lidocaine infusion used as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia, in children undergoing elective ear, nose and throat surgery. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomised, controlled study. SETTING: Hospital-based, single-centre study in Chile. PATIENTS: ASA I-II children, aged 2 to 12 years, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy. INTERVENTION: We standardised the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to lidocaine (1.5 mg kg intravenous lidocaine over 5 min followed by 2 mg kg h) or 0.9% saline (at the same rate and volume). Infusions were continued until the end of the surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of at least one episode of vomiting, retching or both in the first 24 h postoperatively (POV). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Plasma concentrations of lidocaine and postoperative pain. RESULTS: Ninety-two children were enrolled. Primary outcome data were available for 91. In the Lidocaine group, 28 of 46 patients (60.8%) experienced POV, compared with 37 of 45 patients (82.2%) in the Saline group [difference in proportions 21.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8 to 38.8), P = 0.024]. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that when we assumed that the patient in the Saline group lost to follow-up did not have POV, the difference in proportions decreased to 19.6% (95% CI, 0.9 to 37.2), with an unadjusted odds ratio of 0.38 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.97, P = 0.044). The odds of having POV were 62% less likely in those patients receiving lidocaine compared with patients in the Saline group. The mean lidocaine plasma concentration was 3.91 µg ml (range: 0.87 to 4.88). CONCLUSION: Using an intravenous lidocaine infusion as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia decreased POV in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01986309.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in South America: Evaluation of risk factors, demographics and therapy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most studies addressing the epidemiology of HCC originate from developed countries. This study reports the preliminary findings of a multinational approach to characterize HCC in South America. METHODS: We evaluated 1336 HCC patients seen at 14 centres in six South American countries using a retrospective study design with participating centres completing a template chart of patient characteristics. The diagnosis of HCC was made radiographically or histologically for all cases according to institutional standards. Methodology of surveillance for each centre was following AASLD or EASL recommendations. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of individuals were male with a median age of 64 years at time of diagnosis. The most common risk factor for HCC was hepatitis C infection (HCV, 48%), followed by alcoholic cirrhosis (22%), Hepatitis B infection (HBV, 14%) and NAFLD (9%). We found that among individuals with HBV-related HCC, 38% were diagnosed before age 50. The most commonly provided therapy was transarterial chemoembolization (35% of HCCs) with few individuals being considered for liver transplant (<20%). Only 47% of HCCs were diagnosed during surveillance, and there was no difference in age of diagnosis between those diagnosed incidentally vs by surveillance. Nonetheless, being diagnosed during surveillance was associated with improved overall survival (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents the largest cohort to date reporting characteristics and outcomes of HCC across South America. We found an important number of HCCs diagnosed outside of surveillance programmes, with associated increased mortality in those patients.

Evaluación de competencia de pacientes antes de la cirugía / Assessment of mental competency of patients, before surgery

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar las alteraciones de la competencia en pacientes entre 18 y 65 años programados a cirugía general en el Hospital Clínico UC-Christus. Se estudiaron las alteraciones en habilidades cognitivas asociadas a la competencia de los pacientes, en distintos momentos previos a una cirugía electiva, bajo la hipótesis de que la capacidad de tomar decisiones varía o fluctúa antes de una intervención quirúrgica. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, de carácter transversal. Fueron evaluados 85 pacientes, 44 en la unidad preoperatoria y 41 en el pabellón quirúrgico, por medio del test Montreal cognitive asessment tool (MoCA). Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas entre la evaluación en la unidad preoperatoria y en el pabellón quirúrgico (p = 0,19). Ni tampoco en cuanto a porcentaje de pacientes con puntaje MoCA menor a puntaje de corte de 26 puntos en ambos lugares (30 vs. 26%; p = 0,61). Discusión: Variables como edad y nivel educacional pueden estar asociadas a alteraciones en la competencia de los pacientes. El momento de evaluación de los pacientes no influye significativamente en los resultados del test MoCA. Conclusiones: No fue posible concluir que existan diferencias en la capacidad de consentir de los pacientes, evaluada según puntaje en escala MoCA, en momentos próximos a una intervención quirúrgica.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate competence related alterations, in patients between 18 and 65 years old, scheduled to surgery in the Hospital Clínico UC-Christus. Alteration of cognitive skills associated to patients competence were observed in the preoperatory service, and in the surgical theatre. The underlying hypothesis was than the skills related to decision making fluctuates in the previous moments to a surgical intervention. Material and methods: Observational study. A total of 85 patients were evaluated, 44 in the preoperatory room and 41 in the surgical theatre, using the Montreal Cognitive Asessment Tool (MoCA). Results: There were no differences between evaluations in the preoperatory room and the surgical theatre (P=.19). Neither were differences between the percentage of patients who achieved less than 26 points (the cutoff of the test) in both evaluated places (30 vs. 26%, P=.61). Discussion: Other associated variables, such as age and educational level, could be related to competence related alterations in patients. The patient evaluation moment does not influences the results of the MoCA test. Conclusions: It is not possible to conclude than there are no differences in the patients ability to consent, evaluated by the MoCA tool, in the moments prior to a surgical intervention.

La simulación puede mejorar la seguridad de los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos endoscópicos gastrointestinales bajo sedación / Simulation can improve patients’ security in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures under sedation

background: Appropriate sedation is crucial for a successful gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure (GEP); however, this is associated with adverse events, therefore adequate capacitation in this subject is mandatory. Simulation is an excellent teaching tool but its use in the setting of sedation teaching for GEP has not bee explored. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a simulation course on sedation for GEP procedures done by endoscopist. Methods: A checklist to assess the endoscopists’ sedation performance for GEP was developed. This checklist was used to assess the sedations’ quality before and after a high fidelity sedation simulation course for GEP. Differences before/after the intervention was calculated using the McNemar’s test. A p ≤ 0,05 was considered significant. Results: All participants were assessed 15 times pre and post intervention. After the simulation, there was a significant improvement in patients’ airway assessment, in the level of awareness about patients’ condition during the procedure and in the monitoring after the procedure. All participants considered simulation should be compulsory before obtaining a license to sedate patients. Conclusions: The implementation of a sedation course based on simulation cases directed to endoscopists improved patient safety and sedations’ quality during the procedure. Simulation should be considered as a valid teaching tool, which is an enormous challenge to the anaesthesiologists.

Introducción: Una adecuada sedación contribuye al éxito de un procedimiento endoscópico gastrointestinal (PEG); sin embargo, esto puede estar asociado a eventos adversos, siendo importante la capacitación al respecto. La simulación es una excelente herramienta docente, pero su uso en la enseñanza de sedación para PEG no ha sido explorada. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de un curso de sedación para PEG dirigido a endoscopistas basado en simulación. Materiales y Métodos: Se diseño una lista de cotejo para evaluar la calidad de la sedación impartida por endoscopistas durante PEG. Con dicho instrumento se determinó la calidad de la sedación antes y después de un curso de simulación de alta fidelidad sobre sedación para PEG. La magnitud de las diferencias secundario a la intervención se calcularon utilizando el test de McNemar. Una p ≤ 0,05 se consideró significativa. Resultados: Todos los participantes fueron evaluados 15 veces antes y después de la intervención. Después de la intervención, mejoró significativamente la evaluación de vía aérea, el nivel de alerta por las condiciones del paciente durante el procedimiento y el seguimiento posterior. Todos los participantes consideraron que la simulación debería ser obligatoria antes de obtener privilegios clínicos. Conclusiones: La implementación de un curso de sedación basados en simulación dirigidos a endoscopistas mejora la calidad de esta y la seguridad del paciente durante el procedimiento. La simulación debe ser considerada como una estrategia de enseñanza válida en este contexto lo que plantea un gran desafío a todos los anestesiólogos.

[Hepatopulmonary hydatidosis: pediatric case report and literature review]. / Hidatidosis hepatopulmonar: reporte de caso clínico pediátrico y revisión de literatura.

Hydatidosis is a parasitic zoonosis of the genus Echinococcus that infects herbivores and humans in its larvae stage (hydatid). Pediatric hydatidosis usually presents with involvement of the lung, in contrast to the adult clinical picture. Therefore, hepatopulmonary hydatidosis is an unusual entity in children. A clinical case is presented, along with a short review of available literature. A thirteen-year-old male child, who lives in Cauquenes, a rural area of Central Chile, presents with three months of cough, fever, malaise, and an abdominal mass. Imaging reveals multiple cystic images, located mostly in the right lung and the liver. The patient is started on albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) and transferred to the Pediatric Surgery Unit in Hospital de Talca. He underwent thoracotomy and laparotomy for the removal of the hydatid cysts. He recovered from surgery and continued his pharmacological treatment. Hydatidosis is a public healthcare problem, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It can be asymptomatic; thus, its diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion.

Se denomina hidatidosis a la zoonosis parasitaria que causa la infección de herbívoros o del hombre con el estado larval (hidátide) de parásitos del género Echinococcus. La hidatidosis pediátrica exhibe un patrón de presentación distinto a la adulta, el pulmón es el órgano afectado con mayor frecuencia. La hidatidosis hepatopulmonar es una entidad inusual en los niños. Se presenta un caso clínico y una breve revisión del tema en la literatura. El caso clínico es un escolar de 13 años procedente de la comuna de Cauquenes, con cuadro clínico de tres meses de evolución de tos, fiebre, compromiso del estado general y masa abdominal en el último mes. A través de imágenes se evidencian múltiples quistes pulmonares de predominio derecho y quistes hepáticos. El paciente recibe tratamiento con albendazol 15 mg/kg/día y se deriva a la unidad de cirugía infantil del Hospital Regional de Talca para resolución quirúrgica. Es sometido a toracotomía y laparotomía para extirpación de hidátides. Evolucionó favorablemente y continuó con tratamiento médico. La hidatidosis es un problema de salud pública nacional, causante de alta morbimortalidad. Su presentación puede ser asintomática, por lo que requiere de un alto índice de sospecha para diagnosticarla.

[Cervical mass caused by Salmonella Typhimurium as a clinical presentation of AIDS in a HIV-positive patient]. / Tumor cervical por Salmonella Typhimurium como forma de presentación clínica de SIDA en un paciente con infección por VIH.

Infections due to non-typhi salmonellae (NTS) generally cause a mild and self-limited gastrointestinal disease. However, there have been reports of atypical and severe presentations in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a male patient who consulted with a cervical mass. He was found to be HIV-positive and Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated in one blood culture and cervical mass tissue culture. We discuss the relevance of infections by NTS in immunodeficient patients because they present with more severe illness than normal population. We emphasize the importance of NTS bacteremia as a marker of underlying immunodeficiency. We present some localized infection sites reported in the literature and their relation with particular diseases. We discuss the future relevance that an early start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may have in HIV patients with NTS acute bacteremia or focal infections. Because infections by NTS can be severe and highly lethal they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of causative organisms of localized infections and bacteremia in HIV patients.