Eligibility criteria for using menopausal hormone therapy in breast cancer survivors: a safety report based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) effectively alleviates menopausal symptoms. However, it is generally not recommended for breast cancer survivors, although the scientific evidence is scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish eligibility criteria for use of the MHT in breast cancer survivors based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. EVIDENCE REVIEW: We conducted exhaustive literature searches until June 2022 in MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, using a tailored strategy with a combination of controlled vocabulary and search terms related to breast cancer survivors and MHT. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tools. The quality of the evidence was graded according to grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations criteria (A, high; B, moderate; C, low; and D, very low). We categorized MHT use into four levels: category 1 (no restrictions on use), category 2 (the benefits outweigh the risks), category 3 (the risks generally outweigh the benefits), and category 4 (MHT should not be used). FINDINGS: A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. Analysis of the three randomized clinical trials using combined MHT or tibolone revealed no significant differences concerning tumor recurrence (relative risk [RR], 1.46; 95% CI, 0.99-2.24). A combined analysis of randomized clinical trials, prospective, and retrospective trials found no elevated risk of recurrence (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.54-1.33) or death (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.38-2.19). The eligibility criteria for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors fell into categories 3B and 3C for combined MHT or estrogen alone and 4A for tibolone. For HR-negative tumors, the category was 2B and 2C. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that MHT could be a viable treatment alternative for breast cancer survivors experiencing menopausal symptoms, especially those with HR-negative tumors. Personalized management is recommended for each peri/postmenopausal woman facing a diminished quality of life because of menopause symptoms. Further randomized trials are needed before considering changes to current standards of care.

Health-related quality of life and resilience in peri- and postmenopausal women during Covid-19 confinement.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of confinement due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and resilience in peri- and postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used an online questionnaire which was sent between April 30th and May 13th, 2020 to women aged 40-70 years who were peri- or postmenopausal according to STRAW criteria. We used the 16-item Cervantes short-form scale (Cervantes-SF) to measure HRQoL, and the 14-item Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (RS-14) to measure resilience. High scores on the Cervantes-SF indicate low HRQoL and high scores on the RS-14 indicate high levels of resilience. Covid-19 status, sociodemographic descriptors, and lifestyle variables were also evaluated. RESULTS: We included 2430 peri- and postmenopausal women with valid questionnaires. All items of the Cervantes-SF were completed in 2151 cases, whilst the RS-14 was completed in 2413 cases. There was a negative correlation between scores on the Cervantes-SF and RS-14 scales (Rho -0.350; p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between Cervantes-SF scores and living with others (ß-coefficient -10.2; p < 0.001), use of antidepressants (ß 9.3; p < 0.001), physical activity (ß -8.6; p < 0.001) and sexual activity (ß -2.7; p < 0.001). Resilience was associated with the use of antidepressants (ß -5.9; p < 0.001), physical activity (ß 3.2; p < 0.001) and sexual activity (ß 1.7; p = 0.005). According to the multivariate analysis, there were no associations between either Covid-19 or menopausal status and HRQoL or resilience scores. CONCLUSIONS: During the period of mandatory Covid-19 confinement, peri- and postmenopausal women who engaged in physical and sexual activity had higher HRQoL and higher levels of resilience, whilst women who were using antidepressants had lower HRQoL and lower levels of resilience. HRQoL was greater in women who lived with others.

Estudio comparativo de técnicas confirmatorias de anticuerpos frente VIH-1/2: Geenius™versus INNO-LIA™ / Comparative study of HIV-1/2 antibody confirmatory assay: Geenius™ versus INNO-LIA™

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio es comparar dos ensayos confirmatorios de anticuerpos frente a la infección por VIH-1/2. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo (1/1/2015- 31/12/2015) en el que se incluyeron muestras de suero con resultados repetidamente positivos en la técnica de cribado Antigen-antibody assay HIV-1/2 (Architect, Abbott). En los sueros correspondientes a nuevos diagnósticos se utilizaron las técnicas confirmatorias Geenius™ HIV-1/2 assay (Bio-Rad) e INNO-LIA™ HIV-1/2 score line-immunoassay (Innogenetics®). La carga viral VIH-1 (Cobas® AmpliPrep/HIV, Roche) se realizó en casos discordantes e indeterminados. Resultados. Se incluyeron 85 muestras. Los resultados de ambas técnicas confirmatorias fueron concordantes en 80/85 muestras: 53 VIH-1, 1 VIH-2, 25 negativos y 1 indeterminado. El coeficiente de concordancia Kappa de Cohen fue muy elevado (0,878). Conclusión. La concordancia entre las dos técnicas evaluadas es muy elevada. El procedimiento para realizar Geenius™ es rápido y sencillo. Geenius™ es una técnica alternativa, útil, a incluir en los algoritmos diagnósticos de infección por VIH-1/2 (AU)

Introduction. The aim of the study is to compare two confirmatory tests for HIV-1/2 infection. Material and methods. A prospective study was carried out between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2015. Serum samples with repeatedly positive results in the Antibody- Antigen-HIV-1/2 (Architect, Abbott) screening assay were included. The serum samples corresponding to new diagnosed cases were selected and were used to compare the two confirmatory assays: Geenius™ HIV-1/2 (Bio-Rad) and INNO-LIA™ HIV-1/2 score line-immunoassay (Innogenetics ®). The HIV-1 viral load (Cobas® AmpliPrepHIV, Roche) was performed in discordant or indeterminate cases. Results. Eight five samples were included. The results of both confirmatory assays were concordant in 80/85 samples: 53 HIV-1, 1 HIV-2, 25 negative and one indeterminate. Cohen’s Kappa concordance coefficient between Geenius™ and INNOLIA ™ techniques was very high (0.878). Conclusion. The concordance between the two assays is high. The procedure for Geenius™ is simple and fast. Geenius™ is a good alternative to include in the HIV-1/2 diagnostic algorithm (AU)

Cirugía fetal: hernia diafragmática congénita presentación de caso / Fetal surgery: congenital diaphragmatic hernia: case presentation

Introducción: la hernia diafragmática congénita es una malformación que resulta de la fusión incompleta de la membrana pleuroperitoneal, ocurre en alrededor de 1 / 2.000-5.000 recién nacidos vivos y es causa por lo general de síntomas severos de insuficiencia respiratoria e hipertensión arterial pulmonar en los niños de este grupo de edad. El tratamiento se basa en mantener las mejores condiciones respiratorias en el niño mediante manejo de terapia intensiva neonatal y una vez que se logra este objetivo, se debe proceder con la corrección quirúrgica del defecto anatómico. Desafortunadamente, a pesar del avance en el manejo respiratorio del recién nacido gravemente enfermo, la mortalidad por este padecimiento se reporta por arriba de 75%. Se han determinado diversos factores pronósticos prenatales que confirman su severidad y la inviabilidad de estos fetos. La oclusión de la tráquea fetal en modelos animales con HDC inducida y en el feto humano evidenció desarrollo y crecimiento pulmonar. La oclusión traqueal fetal ofrece esperanzas vitales para estos casos de HDC severa que con el tratamiento convencional tienen una mortalidad cercana al 100%. Es necesaria una serie más amplia para obtener conclusiones definitivas. El principal enemigo de la cirugía fetal es el trabajo de parto prematuro y la rotura prematura de membranas. El acceso fetoscópico y la tocolisis reducen la incidencia de esta eventualidad. Caso clínico: presentamos dos casos clínicos de recién nacidos con hernia diafragmática de lado izquierdo que permitió el paso de la mayoría de las vísceras abdominales hacia el tórax con síntomas leves de falla respiratoria.

Introduction: congenital diaphragmatic hernia results from the incomplete fusion of the pleuroperitoneal membrane and occurs with a frequency of about ½.000-5.000 live-births. Despite advances in neonatal intensive care and surgery, mortality varies from one institution to another and may be above 75%. There are some prenatal prognostic factors that assess the CDH severity and thus, the fetal viability. Fetal tracheal occlusion (TO) in experimental animal CDH models, and in human fetuses induce lung growth. Fetal TO offers a better outcome for patients with severe CDH that otherwise would have a 100% mortality rate despite the advanced postnatal care. A greater number of cases are needed to obtain stronger conclusions. The major enemies of fetal surgery are the premature rupture of membranes and the preterm labor. Fetoscopic approach and tocolysis could help preventing these eventualities. Case study: we present the cases of two newborn babies with left- sided diaphragmatic hernia that allowed the passage of most of the abdominal viscerae into the thorax with only mild symptoms of respiratory failure. Keywords: diaphragmatic hernia, fetal surgery, intrauterine treatment, fetoscopy, tracheal occlusion.

Cáncer de Mama: triple negativo / Breast cancer: triple negative

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es el más frecuente en las mujeres, se han hecho múltiples esfuerzos para clasificarlo con base en su perfil genético y el perfil de tinción de inmunohistoquímica. El cáncer de mama triple negativo se define por su falta de expresión a receptores de estrógeno, receptores de progesterona y receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano 2. Representa 15% de todos los cánceres de mama y son más frecuentes en mujeres premenopáusicas afroamericanas. Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia y describir las características clínico-patológicas de las pacientes con Cáncer de Mama triple-negativo que fueron operadas en el servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia del HCAM en el año 2012. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en mujeres con diagnóstico histológico confirmado de cancer de mama. Se excluyó a las pacientes cuyos bloques de parafina no se conservaron, o a quienes no se les pudieron realizar todos los marcadores inmunohistoquímicos requeridos por el estudio. Resultados: un total de 159 casos de cáncer de mama invasor tratados quirúrgicamente en el servicio en el 2012, 17 fueron identificados como tumores triple negativos (RE negativo, RP negativo, HER-2 negativo).

Introduction: breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women; many efforts have been done to classify this cancer based on genetic and immunohistochemical staining profile. Triple-negative breast cancer is defined by a lack of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptor as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It represents 15% of all types of breast cancer and arises more frequently in premenopausal Afro-American women. Objective: to establish the prevalence and describe the clinic pathologic features of patients with triple-negative breast cancer who were operated in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward of the HCAM in 2012. Materials and methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional study in women with histologically confirmed breast cancer. We excluded patients whose paraffin blocks were not kept or were not able to perform all required immunohistochemical markers for the study. Results: a total of 159 cases of invasive breast cancer treated surgically in service in 2012, 17 were identified as triple negative tumors (ER negative, PR negative, HER-2 negative).

iContraception(®): a software tool to assist professionals in choosing contraceptive methods according to WHO medical eligibility criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To design software to assist health care providers with contraceptive counselling. METHODS: The Model-View-Controller software architecture pattern was used. Decision logic was incorporated to automatically compute the safety category of each contraceptive option. Decisions are made according to the specific characteristics or known medical conditions of each potential contraception user. The software is an app designed for the iOS and Android platforms and is available in four languages. iContraception(®) facilitates presentation of visual data on medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive treatments. RESULTS: The use of this software was evaluated by a sample of 54 health care providers. The general satisfaction with the use of the app was over 8 on a 0-10 visual analogue scale in 96.3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: iContraception provides easy access to medical eligibility criteria of contraceptive options and may help with contraceptive counselling.

Effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in preventing cases and hospitalizations due to rotavirus gastroenteritis in Navarre, Spain.

Two rotavirus vaccines have been available since 2006. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these vaccines using a test-negative case-control design in Navarre, Spain. We included children 3-59 months of age who sought medical care for gastroenteritis and for whom stool samples were taken between January 2008 and June 2011. About 9% had received the pentavalent vaccine (RotaTeq) and another 8% received the monovalent vaccine (Rotarix). Cases were the 756 children with confirmed rotavirus and controls were the 6036 children who tested negative for rotavirus. Thirty-five percent of cases and 9% of controls had required hospitalization (p<0.0001). The adjusted effectiveness of complete vaccination was 78% (95% CI: 68-85%) in preventing rotavirus gastroenteritis and 83% (95% CI: 65-93%) in preventing hospitalization for rotavirus gastroenteritis. No differences between the two vaccines were detected (p=0.4523). Both vaccines were highly effective in preventing cases and hospital admissions in children due to rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Esclerodermia y cáncer de mama / Systemic sclerosis and breast cancer

Varios estudios han demostrado un aumento de la incidencia de cáncer en pacientes con esclerodermia sistémica, sobre todo en cáncer de pulmón,pero también en cáncer de mama. Presentamos una esclerodermia sistémica rápidamente progresiva en una mujer de 70 años, con afectación sistémicaprecoz, e induración en la mama izquierda. La realización de mamografías y biopsias repetidas diagnosticaron un adenocarcinoma de mama. Elintervalo entre ambos diagnósticos fue de 9 meses (AU)

Several studies have demonstrated an increase in cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) especially lung cancer, but also breast cancer. We presenta rapidly progressive SS, in a 70 years old woman, with early systemic affectation and left breast induration. Mammography and several biopsiesdiagnosed a breast adenocarcinoma. The duration between SS onset and breast cancer diagnosis was 9 months (AU)

Eruptive syringoma developed over a waxing skin area.

Syringomas are benign, eccrine, sweat gland tumors that clinically appear as small skin-colored or yellow papules. Eruptive syringomas are rare variants that typically develop on the body's cutaneous anterior surface. Syringomas on the genital area have rarely been reported, although several authors maintain that syringoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pubic pruritic papular dermatitis. We present a case of a 31-year-old man with multiple, eruptive, asymptomatic papules involving the pubic area developed after waxing of the zone. Histological examination revealed disseminated syringomata. We postulate that the lesions were induced by depilation with a subsequently reactive inflammatory process resulting in a hyperplastic reaction of the eccrine ducts. This case supports the previous hypothesis suggesting that some of the so-called "eruptive syringomas" may start as a primary inflammatory eccrine reaction.

[Invasive pneumococcal disease in children younger than 5 years in Navarra, Spain (2000-2005). Impact of the conjugate vaccine]. / Enfermedad neumocócica invasiva en la población menor de 5 años de edad de Navarra (2000-2005): impacto de la vacuna conjugada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has been commercialized in Spain since June 2001. We aim to evaluate the impact of this vaccine in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Navarre. POPULATION AND METHOD: The laboratories of microbiology of Navarre declare all the isolations of Streptococcus pneumoniae in samples of normally sterile corporal fluids. We analyzed the incidence of IPD in children younger than 5 years between weeks 41 of 2000 and 40 of 2005. RESULTS: The doses of PCV7 sold up to 2005 would provide a cover of 27% in children younger than 5 years, having assumed 4 dose schedules. In the 5 seasons, 103 cases of IPD were diagnosed. From the 2 first seasons (2000-2002) to the last one (2004-2005) a reduction of 69% in the incidence rate of IPD caused by vaccine serotypes was observed (from 33 to 10 cases by 100,000 children under 5 years; p = 0.003). Between those same periods the incidence of IPD caused by non-vaccine serotypes increased a 36% (from 42 to 57 by 100,000; p = 0.405). The global incidence of IPD diminished a 12% (from 77 to 67 by 100,000; p = 0.689). The percentage of cases that had received PCV7 increased until 45% in season 2004-2005 (p < 0.001). The meningitis and bacteraemic pneumonias supposed 42% of the IPD, without significant changes during the period (p = 0.442). CONCLUSIONS: Since the PCV7 was marketed the pattern of serotypes has changed, but the expected reduction in the total IPD incidence has not been achieved.

Enfermedad neumocócica invasiva en la población menor de 5 años de edad de Navarra (2000-2005): impacto de la vacuna conjugada / Invasive pneumococcal disease in children younger than 5 years in Navarra, Spain (2000-2005). Impact of the conjugate vaccine

Fundamento y objetivo: Desde junio de 2001 se comercializa en España la vacuna neumocócica conjugada heptavalente (VNC7v). Nuestro objetivo ha sido evaluar su impacto en la incidencia de enfermedad neumocócica invasiva (ENI) en Navarra. Población y método: Los laboratorios de microbiología de Navarra declaran todos los aislamientos de neumococo en muestras de fluidos corporales normalmente estériles. Analizamos la incidencia de ENI en niños menores de 5 años entre las semanas 41 de 2000 y 40 de 2005. Resultados: Las dosis de VNC7v vendidas hasta 2005 permitirían alcanzar una cobertura del 27% en menores de 5 años, suponiendo 4 dosis por niño. Entre las 5 temporadas se diagnosticaron 103 casos de ENI. Comparando la incidencia de ENI en las 2 primeras temporadas (2000-2002) con la última (2004-2005), se observa un descenso del 69% en la tasa por serotipos vacunales (de 33 a 10 casos por 100.000 menores de 5 años; p = 0,003). Entre esos mismos períodos, la incidencia de ENI por serotipos no vacunales aumentó un 36% (de 42 a 57 por 100.000; p = 0,405). La incidencia global de ENI disminuyó un 12% (de 77 a 67 por 100.000; p = 0,689). El porcentaje de casos que habían recibido VNC7v aumentó hasta el 45% en la temporada 2004-2005 (p < 0,001). Las meningitis y neumonías bacteriémicas supusieron el 42% de las ENI, sin cambios significativos durante el período (p = 0,442). Conclusiones: Tras la comercialización de la VNC7v ha cambiado el patrón de serotipos, pero no se ha conseguido el descenso esperado de la incidencia global de ENI

Background and objective: The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has been commercialized in Spain since June 2001. We aim to evaluate the impact of this vaccine in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Navarre. Population and method: The laboratories of microbiology of Navarre declare all the isolations of Streptococcus pneumoniae in samples of normally sterile corporal fluids. We analyzed the incidence of IPD in children younger than 5 years between weeks 41 of 2000 and 40 of 2005. Results: The doses of PCV7 sold up to 2005 would provide a cover of 27% in children younger than 5 years, having assumed 4 dose schedules. In the 5 seasons, 103 cases of IPD were diagnosed. From the 2 first seasons (2000-2002) to the last one (2004-2005) a reduction of 69% in the incidence rate of IPD caused by vaccine serotypes was observed (from 33 to 10 cases by 100,000 children under 5 years; p = 0.003). Between those same periods the incidence of IPD caused by non-vaccine serotypes increased a 36% (from 42 to 57 by 100,000; p = 0.405). The global incidence of IPD diminished a 12% (from 77 to 67 by 100,000; p = 0.689). The percentage of cases that had received PCV7 increased until 45% in season 2004-2005 (p < 0.001). The meningitis and bacteraemic pneumonias supposed 42% of the IPD, without significant changes during the period (p = 0.442). Conclusions: Since the PCV7 was marketed the pattern of serotypes has changed, but the expected reduction in the total IPD incidence has not been achieved

Elevada prevalencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en pacientes con hipertensión arterial de larga evolución / High prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension of long evolution

Fundamento y objetivo: La hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI) es la enfermedad cardíaca más frecuente en hipertensos. El objetivo es conocer la prevalencia de HVI en población hipertensa de larga evolución tratada en el ámbito de atención primaria (AP), así como su perfil epidemiológico. Pacientes y método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicéntrico, de 915 hipertensos que acudieron consecutivamente a consultas de AP y llevaban más de 5 años en tratamiento farmacológico. Se midió la presión arterial y se realizó anamnesis y registro de datos electrocardiográficos y bioquímicos. Se evaluó la HVI según criterios de Cornell y/o Sokolow-Lyon. Resultados: La población estudiada (el 63% mujeres) tiene una media de edad de 68,7 años; el 31,6% son diabéticos y el 37,5% tiene la presión arterial controlada. El 30,5% presenta criterios electrocardiográficos de HVI, con mayor prevalencia en mujeres; asimismo, las mujeres con HVI tienen una edad más avanzada. El 30% tiene antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular y la prevalencia de insuficiencia cardíaca es mayor en pacientes con HVI. El 54% está en politerapia antihipertensiva y no hay diferencias significativas en el tratamiento de los pacientes con y sin HVI. El 77% de los pacientes con HVI cumplen únicamente el criterio de Cornell; el 12%, sólo el de Sokolow-Lyon y el 11%, ambos criterios. Los pacientes que sólo tienen positividad para el criterio de Cornell se caracterizan por predominio del sexo femenino y mayor prevalencia de obesidad. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de HVI, valorada mediante criterios electrocardiográficos, es elevada en hipertensos de larga evolución, especialmente en mujeres. Es preciso insistir en la realización periódica de electrocardiogramas en hipertensos e incrementar el esfuerzo terapéutico

Background and objective: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most frequent manifestation of cardiac damage in hypertension. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of LVH in hypertensive patients of long evolution at Primary Care (PC) and to describe their epidemiological profile. Patients and method: 915 hypertensive patients treated for more than 5 years with antihypertensive drugs, who were atended in a consecutive way by de PC physicians, were evaluated in a multicentral and descriptive study. Clinical evaluation data together with electrocardiographic (EKG) and laboratory results were recorded. LVH was assessed by the Cornell and/or Sokolow-Lyon criteria. Results: Study population was characterized by a mean age of 68.7 years, 63% women, 31.6% diabetics, and 37.5% presented controlled blood pressure levels. 30.5% of them presented LVH criteria on EKG, being more prevalent among women, and on the other hand, women with LVH were of a greater age. 30% of patients presented history of cardiovascular disease and heart failure was more frequent among those with LVH. 54% were polymedicated with blood pressure lowering drugs, however there were no differences between groups of patients with and without LVH regarding their treatment. The Cornell criterion and the Sokolow-Lyon criterion alone were presented in a 77% and 12% of patients, respectively, and 11% of them were positive for both criteria. Patients with positivity for only the Cornell criterion were characterized by a greater prevalence of women and obesity. Conclusions: The prevalence of LVH assessed by EKG criteria is high among hypertensive population of long evolution. A greater effort is needed to guarantee a periodic EKG performance in hypertensive patients together with a therapeutic strategy improvement

[Treatment of mycosis fungoides with PUVA and bexarotene]. / Tratamiento de micosis fungoide con PUVA más bexaroteno.

INTRODUCTION: The combined use of bexarotene and PUVA is a treatment that is currently being investigated. In this paper, six patients treated with this combination are presented. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of treatment with PUVA + bexarotene in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF). Patients, material and methods. Six patients diagnosed with MF in different stages, who received three sessions of PUVA treatment a week (initially 2.35 J/cm 2, with progressive increases to a maximum of 23.5 J/cm 2) + bexarotene (initial dose 300 mg/m 2/day, decreasing to 200, 150 or 75 mg/m 2 if signs of toxicity appeared). All received atorvastatin. RESULTS: Stage at the start of treatment: two patients IIb, one patient Ib with B2 blood involvement, two patients Ib, one patient Ia. Five of the six patients responded to the treatment (three full remissions [FR], two partial remissions [PR]). One patient did not respond. In those in whom FR was achieved, the time required for the response was 10, 20 and 24 weeks. All presented with hypertriglyceridemia (maximum 1194 mg/ dL). It was necessary to administer thyroid hormone supplements to four of the patients. Two of them had alterations in the hepatic biochemistry values, and two others presented with alterations in the muscle profile analysis. CONCLUSION: The combination of PUVA and bexarotene is a safe and effective treatment for MF. It will be necessary to await the results of the clinical trials currently underway to see if their combined use is better than treatment with PUVA alone. The response rate (RR) was 86 % (three FR and two PR out of six patients).

Tratamiento de micosis fungoide con PUVA más bexaroteno / Treatment of mycosis fungoides with PUVA and bexarotene

Introducción. La utilización conjunta de bexaroteno y psoraleno y radiación ultravioleta A (PUVA) en la actualidad es un tratamiento en investigación. En el presente trabajo se presentan 6 pacientes tratados con esta combinación. Objetivos. Valorar eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento con PUVA más bexaroteno en pacientes con micosis fungoide. Pacientes, material y métodos. Seis pacientes diagnosticados de micosis fungoide en distintos estadios que han recibido PUVA, tres sesiones semanales (inicio 2,35 J/cm 2, con aumentos progresivos hasta llegar a un máximo de 23,5 J/cm 2) más bexaroteno (dosis inicial, 300 mg/m 2/día, disminuyendo a 200, 150 o 75 mg/m 2 si aparecía toxicidad). Todos los pacientes recibieron atorvastatina. Resultados. Al inicio de tratamiento, 2 pacientes se encontraban en estadio IIb, un paciente en Ib con afectación hemática B2, 2 pacientes en Ib y un paciente en estadio Ia. Cinco de los 6 pacientes respondieron al tratamiento (tres remisiones completas [RC], dos remisiones parciales [RP]). Un paciente no respondió. De los que obtuvieron RC, el tiempo hasta la respuesta fue de 10, 20 y 24 semanas, respectivamente. Todos los pacientes presentaron hipertrigliceridemia (máximo de 1.194 mg/dl). En cuatro de los pacientes fue necesario administrar suplementos de hormona tiroidea. Dos de ellos tuvieron alteraciones de la bioquímica hepática y dos más presentaron alteraciones analíticas del perfil muscular. Conclusión. La combinación de PUVA y bexaroteno es un tratamiento eficaz y seguro para la micosis fungoide. Habrá que esperar a los resultados de los ensayos clínicos en curso para ver si es mejor su uso combinado que el tratamiento con PUVA sola. El índice de respuesta fue del 86 % (3 RC y 2 RP de 6 pacientes)

Introduction. The combined use of bexarotene and PUVA is a treatment that is currently being investigated. In this paper, six patients treated with this combination are presented. Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of treatment with PUVA + bexarotene in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF). Patients, material and methods. Six patients diagnosed with MF in different stages, who received three sessions of PUVA treatment a week (initially 2.35 J/cm 2, with progressive increases to a maximum of 23.5 J/cm 2) + bexarotene (initial dose 300 mg/m 2/day, decreasing to 200, 150 or 75 mg/m 2 if signs of toxicity appeared). All received atorvastatin. Results. Stage at the start of treatment: two patients IIb, one patient Ib with B2 blood involvement, two patients Ib, one patient Ia. Five of the six patients responded to the treatment (three full remissions [FR], two partial remissions [PR]). One patient did not respond. In those in whom FR was achieved, the time required for the response was 10, 20 and 24 weeks. All presented with hypertriglyceridemia (maximum 1194 mg/ dL). It was necessary to administer thyroid hormone supplements to four of the patients. Two of them had alterations in the hepatic biochemistry values, and two others presented with alterations in the muscle profile analysis. Conclusion. The combination of PUVA and bexarotene is a safe and effective treatment for MF. It will be necessary to await the results of the clinical trials currently underway to see if their combined use is better than treatment with PUVA alone. The response rate (RR) was 86 % (three FR and two PR out of six patients)