Molecular diagnosis of cystic fibrosis by RNA obtained from nasal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) is established when characteristic clinical signs are coupled with biallelic CFTR pathogenic variants. No previously reported non-canonical splice site variants have to be considered as variants of uncertain significance unless their effect on splicing has been validated. METHODS: Two variants identified by next-generation sequencing were evaluated. We assayed their effects on splicing employing RNA analysis and real-time expression quantification from RNA obtained from the nasal epithelial cells of a patient with clinically suspected CF and of two patients with milder phenotypes (CFTR-related disorders). RESULTS: The variant c.164+2dup causes skipping of exon 2 (p.(Ser18_Glu54del)) and exon 2 plus 3 (p.(Ser18Argfs*16)) in CFTR mRNA. Exon 2 expression in the patient heterozygous for c.164+2dup was decreased to 7 % of the exon 2 expression in the controls. The synonymous variant c.1584G>A causes a partial skipping of exon 11. The exon 11 expression in the two patients heterozygous for this variant was 22 % and 42 % of that of the controls, respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that variant c.164+2dup affects mRNA processing and can be considered a CF-causing variant. The results of the functional assay also showed that the p.(Glu528=) variant, usually categorized as a neutral variant based on epidemiological data, partially affects mRNA processing in our patients. This finding would allow us to reclassify the variant as a CFTR-related variant with incomplete penetrance. RNA obtained from nasal epithelial cells is an easy and accurate tool for CFTR functional studies in patients with unclassified splice variants.

Evaluation of ERBB2 mRNA Expression in HER2-Equivocal (2+) Immunohistochemistry Cases.

Xpert Breast Cancer STRAT4 is a RT-qPCR platform that studies the mRNA expression of ESR1, PGR, MKI67 and ERBB2, providing a positive or negative result for each of these breast cancer biomarkers. Its concordance with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) has been previously demonstrated, but none of the previous works was focused on HER2-equivocal (2+) cases identified by IHC. Thus, we studied the concordance between IHC/ISH and STRAT4 results for 112 HER2 2+ IBC samples, using 148 HER2 0+, 1+ and 3+ (no-HER2 2+) samples for comparison. We found 91.3% accuracy for the determination of HER2 status globally, 99.3% for no-HER2 2+ samples and 80.7% for HER2 2+ samples. Regarding the other biomarkers, we obtained 96.4% accuracy for estrogen receptor, 84.1% for progesterone receptor and 58.2% for Ki67. Our results suggest that the use of ERBB2 mRNA for the evaluation of HER2 2+ cases is not a reliable reflex method to assess the ERBB2 amplification status.

Colon necrosis in acute severe pancreatitis.

A 78 year-old woman was admitted for biliary acute pancreatitis (AP). Fluid and analgesia were initially administered. Her clinical course was poor with persisting abdominal pain, intestinal paresis and fever development. On her 7th admission day a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan was performed where a huge necrotic peripancreatic collection was found with gastric compression .

Black esophagus and diabetes: a close relationship.

The black esophagus is a rare clinical entity, down to 0.2% in autopsy series and 0.001-0.2% in series of endoscopies. Although it is an entity that has already been reported in the literature, its etiopathogenesis is not completely known. Different theories have been proposed to clarify their cause. One of these theories makes a hypothesis of a viral infection as the underlying cause; this theory can be seen in the literature extensively, but only two cases were reported. The first case is a case with histopathological confirmation of Herpes virus infection. The second is a case in which vascular deterioration has been the main cause of esophageal necrosis. In both cases, diabetes is the factor that determines a bad evolution of the disease.

Histological changes secondary to wire coil placement in breast tissue and lymph nodes.

We describe the histological and immunohistochemical features of the changes produced by spiral coil localization wires in the breast parenchyma and lymph nodes of a total of 100 patients undergoing surgery for different breast lesions. Coil wires produced cystic lesions containing a hyaline, mucous-like, PAS-negative fluid. Cavities were lined by cells of variable morphology ranging from synovial-like cells (with a conspicuous epithelial appearance) to mononuclear or multinucleate histiocytic cells that expressed CD68, but were negative for keratins. CD3-positive/CD8-positive T lymphocytes predominated in the inflammatory reaction. Pathologists should be aware of these changes in order to differentiate coil-related lesions from other granulomatous or epithelial lesions, including mucocele-like and ductal carcinoma in situ lesions.

Histopathological differences in patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with and without type 2 diabetes / Diferencias histopatológicas en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y no diabéticos con enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica diagnosticada con biopsia

Background and aims: Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed countries is 30% in the general population and 50% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to compare the severity of NAFLD, as assessed by liver biopsy and using the non-invasive index NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), in subjects with and without T2DM. Patients and methods: The study sample consisted of 217 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Anthropometric assessments, laboratory tests, histological criteria established by the Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN), and the NFS were recorded. Results: Patients with T2DM (n=36; 16.5%) had higher HOMA-IR values (6.3±3.6 vs. 3.3±2.4; p<0.0001), GGT levels (125.2±102.3 vs. 82.5±70.6IU/l; p<005), and NFS index (−0.6±0.2 vs. −1.8±0.1; p<0.001) than subjects with no T2DM. Patients with T2DM were found higher rates of NASH (72.2% vs. 48.6%; p<0.05), advanced steatosis (80.6% vs. 63%; p<0.05), and liver fibrosis (75% vs. 43.1%, p<0.05) than patients with no T2DM. Patients with T2DM also had higher NFS values (−0.6±1.2 vs. −1.8±1.8: p=0.01). A logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender and BMI showed a significant independent association between NASH and presence of T2DM (OR=4.2: 95% CI: 1.4-12.1; p=0.007). A second model adjusting for the same covariates showed T2DM to be an independent factor associated to advanced fibrosis (OR=4.1; 95% CI: 1.7-9.7). Conclusion: Patients with T2DM have more advanced degrees of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis as assessed by liver biopsy and the NFS index. Particular attention should be paid to the study and monitoring of NASH in patients with T2DM

Antecedentes y objetivos: La prevalencia de la enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica (NAFLD) en los países desarrollados es del 30% de la población general y del 50% de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la gravedad de NAFLD evaluado por biopsia hepática y con un índice no invasivo NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) en sujetos con DM2 frente a pacientes no diabéticos. Pacientes y métodos: Este estudio se llevó a cabo entre 217 pacientes con diagnostico mediante biopsia de NAFLD. Se registraron la valoración antropométrica, pruebas de laboratorio, criterios histológicos establecidos por la Red de Investigación Clínica de Esteatohepatitis No Alcohólica (NASH) y NFS. Resultados: Los pacientes con DM2 (n=36; 16,5%) tuvieron más HOMA-IR (6,3±3,6 vs. 3,3±2,4; p<0,0001), GGT (125,2±102,3 vs. 82,5±70,6UI/L); p<0,05) e índice NFS (−0,6±0,2 vs. −1,8±0,1; p<0,001) que los sujetos sin DM2. Los pacientes con DM2 presentaron mayor porcentaje de EHNA (72,2 vs. 48,6%; p<0,05), grado avanzado de esteatosis (80,6 vs. 63%; p<0,05) y fibrosis hepática (75 vs. 43,1%; p<0,05) que los pacientes sin DM2. Los pacientes con DM2 presentaron también valores más altos de NFS (−0,6±1,2 vs. −1,8±1,8; p=0,01). El análisis de regresión logística ajustado por edad, sexo e IMC mostró asociación significativa independiente entre la esteatohepatitis y la presencia de DM2 (OR=4,2; IC 95%: 1,4-12,1; p=0,007). Un segundo modelo ajustado por las mismas covariables mostró que la DM2 fue un factor independiente asociado a la fibrosis avanzada (OR=4,1; IC 95%: 1,7-9,7). Conclusión: Los pacientes con DM2 tienen grados más avanzados de NAFLD y fibrosis avanzada evaluados mediante biopsia hepática y el índice NFS. Debe prestarse especial atención al estudio y seguimiento de la esteatohepatitis en pacientes con DM2

Histopathological differences in patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with and without type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed countries is 30% in the general population and 50% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to compare the severity of NAFLD, as assessed by liver biopsy and using the non-invasive index NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), in subjects with and without T2DM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 217 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Anthropometric assessments, laboratory tests, histological criteria established by the Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN), and the NFS were recorded. RESULTS: Patients with T2DM (n=36; 16.5%) had higher HOMA-IR values (6.3±3.6 vs. 3.3±2.4; p<0.0001), GGT levels (125.2±102.3 vs. 82.5±70.6IU/l; p<005), and NFS index (-0.6±0.2 vs. -1.8±0.1; p<0.001) than subjects with no T2DM. Patients with T2DM were found higher rates of NASH (72.2% vs. 48.6%; p<0.05), advanced steatosis (80.6% vs. 63%; p<0.05), and liver fibrosis (75% vs. 43.1%, p<0.05) than patients with no T2DM. Patients with T2DM also had higher NFS values (-0.6±1.2 vs. -1.8±1.8: p=0.01). A logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender and BMI showed a significant independent association between NASH and presence of T2DM (OR=4.2: 95% CI: 1.4-12.1; p=0.007). A second model adjusting for the same covariates showed T2DM to be an independent factor associated to advanced fibrosis (OR=4.1; 95% CI: 1.7-9.7). CONCLUSION: Patients with T2DM have more advanced degrees of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis as assessed by liver biopsy and the NFS index. Particular attention should be paid to the study and monitoring of NASH in patients with T2DM.

Serum from postmenopausal women treated with a by-product of olive-oil extraction process stimulates osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem-cells (MSC).

Aging may enhance both oxidative stress and bone-marrow mesenchymal stem-cell (MSC) differentiation into adipocytes. That reduces osteoblastogenesis, thus favoring bone-mass loss and fracture, representing an important worldwide health-issue, mainly in countries with aging populations. Intake of antioxidant products may help to retain bone-mass density. Interestingly, a novel olive-pomace physical treatment to generate olive oil also yields by-products rich in functional antioxidants. Thus, diet of postmenopausal women was supplemented for two months with one of such by-products (distillate 6; D6), being rich in squalene. After treatment, serum from such women showed reduced both lipidic peroxidation and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Besides, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 levels increased. Furthermore, culture medium containing 10% of such serum both increased osteoblastogenesis and reduced adipogenesis in human MSC from bone marrow. Therefore, highly antioxidant by-products like D6 may represent a relevant source for development of functional products, for both prevention and treatment of degenerative pathologies associated with aging, like osteoporosis.

Isquemia hepática aguda tras hemorragia digestiva alta por varices esofagogástricas / Acute liver ischaemia after gastro-oesophageal variceal bleeding

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemorragia digestiva alta por varices esofagogástricas (HDA por VEG) puede desencadenar una isquemia hepática aguda (IHA). El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la incidencia de IHA tras una HDA por VEG, los factores de riesgo y su mortalidad. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo sobre pacientes cirróticos con HDA por VEG. Se clasificaron en 2 grupos, determinados por el desarrollo o no de una IHA. Definimos IHA como AST y ALT por encima de 10 veces el valor basal, descartando otras causas de hepatitis aguda. El tratamiento inicial estándar fue soporte hemodinámico, endoscopia urgente con ligadura con bandas y/o escleroterapia, somatostatina y antibióticos. En caso de fracaso de estas medidas, se recurrió a la implantación de una derivación portosistémcica percutánea intrahepática (DPPI). Ambos grupos (IHA y no-IHA) fueron comparados. RESULTADOS: Durante un periodo de 5 años, se recogieron 68 pacientes con HDA por VEG. La incidencia de IHA fue del 16,2%. Tras el análisis univariante, los factores asociados con IHA fueron la diabetes mellitus (OR: 7,5; IC: 1,9-29), shock (OR: 8,5; IC: 2,06-34) y la persistencia de la hemorragia (OR: 9, IC: 1,6-49, p = 0,03). En el análisis multivariante solo mostraron significación estadística la diabetes mellitus (OR: 8,61; IC: 1,4-52,5) y el shock (OR: 7,58; IC: 1,26-45,51). La mortalidad del grupo de IHA fue mayor (45%) que en el grupo no-IHA (10,5%) (p = 0,012). CONCLUSIONES: La IHA tras una hemorragia digestiva por VEG en el paciente cirrótico ocurrió en el 16,2%, asociándose con un peor pronóstico y una mortalidad del 45%. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la diabetes mellitus y el shock hipovolémico son factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de IHA. La detección precoz de estos pacientes en riesgo podría por tanto ayudar a prevenir la IHA

INTRODUCTION: Variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) can trigger acute hypoxic hepatitis (AHH). The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence, associated risk factors and mortality of AHH after variceal UGIB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of cirrhotic patients with variceal UGIB, classified into 2 groups according to the development of AHH. AHH was diagnosed when AST and ALT reached levels 10 times above the upper limit of normal, after ruling out other causes of hepatitis. The standard initial treatment consisted of haemodynamic support, emergency endoscopy with rubber band ligation, somatostatin and antibiotics. In the case of failure of primary haemostasis, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was implanted. Both groups (AHH and non-AHH) were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cirrhotic patients with variceal UGIB admitted to the gastroenterology department of Hospital Ramón y Cajal between January 2007 and March 2012 were analysed. Eleven of these patients (16.2%) developed AHH. Univariate analysis showed the following items as risk factors: diabetes (OR: 7.5; CI: 1.9-29), shock (OR: 8.5; CI: 2.06-34) and persistent bleeding (OR: 9.0, CI: 1.6-49, P = .03). However, multivariate analysis confirmed only diabetes (OR: 8.61; CI: 1.4-52.5) and shock (OR: 7.58; CI: 1.26-45.51) as risk factors. Mortality rate in the AHH group was 45%, compared to 10.5% in the non-HAA group (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: AHH after variceal UGIB occurred in 16.2% of cirrhotic patients and was associated with a poorer prognosis, with a mortality rate of 45%. Our findings suggest that diabetes and shock are risk factors for the development of AHH. Early identification of at-risk patients could therefore help prevent AHH

[Acute liver ischaemia after gastro-oesophageal variceal bleeding]. / Isquemia hepática aguda tras hemorragia digestiva alta por varices esofagogástricas.

INTRODUCTION: Variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) can trigger acute hypoxic hepatitis (AHH). The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence, associated risk factors and mortality of AHH after variceal UGIB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of cirrhotic patients with variceal UGIB, classified into 2 groups according to the development of AHH. AHH was diagnosed when AST and ALT reached levels 10 times above the upper limit of normal, after ruling out other causes of hepatitis. The standard initial treatment consisted of haemodynamic support, emergency endoscopy with rubber band ligation, somatostatin and antibiotics. In the case of failure of primary haemostasis, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was implanted. Both groups (AHH and non-AHH) were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cirrhotic patients with variceal UGIB admitted to the gastroenterology department of Hospital Ramón y Cajal between January 2007 and March 2012 were analysed. Eleven of these patients (16.2%) developed AHH. Univariate analysis showed the following items as risk factors: diabetes (OR: 7.5; CI: 1.9-29), shock (OR: 8.5; CI: 2.06-34) and persistent bleeding (OR: 9.0, CI: 1.6-49, P=.03). However, multivariate analysis confirmed only diabetes (OR: 8.61; CI: 1.4-52.5) and shock (OR: 7.58; CI: 1.26-45.51) as risk factors. Mortality rate in the AHH group was 45%, compared to 10.5% in the non-HAA group (P=.012). CONCLUSIONS: AHH after variceal UGIB occurred in 16.2% of cirrhotic patients and was associated with a poorer prognosis, with a mortality rate of 45%. Our findings suggest that diabetes and shock are risk factors for the development of AHH. Early identification of at-risk patients could therefore help prevent AHH.

HOLD study (Home care Obstructive Lung Disease): natural history of patients with advanced COPD.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth cause of death in western countries. Its final stage has clearly been forgotten by medical research in recent years. There exists consensus regarding the need to integrate palliative care in assisting these patients, but the difficulty in establishing a prognosis for the disease, establishing limits for life support measures, the lack of information about the disease's natural course and ignorance as to the most effective health-care structure for these patients' palliative treatment may be responsible for their late inclusion or non-inclusion in specific programmes. The main purpose of this work is to find out the natural background of patients with stage IV COPD and the main prognostic factors that influence these patients' survival. METHODS/DESIGN: Prospective observational study of a home patient cohort with stage IV COPD sent from Neumology consultations and Palliative Care Unit in La Paz Hospital in Madrid and Primary Care Health Centres in the area to the palliative care home support team. The goal is to study socio-demographic variables, prognosis, nutritional status, use of health resources, perceived quality of life, functionality, main symptomatology, use and effectiveness of opioids, adherence to treatment, prognostic information regarding the disease, information given by professionals, advance directives, social backup requirements and overburden level of the main caregiver. DISCUSSION: The HOLD study is a project aimed at finding out the prognostic factors and evolution of the disease COPD in its most advanced stage. The final goal is to improve the health and quality of life, in a personalised, integral way up to end of life and explore and foster communication with patients, as well as their participation and collaboration in decision-taking. The HOLD study can help us better understand what these patients' real palliative and care needs are, in order to more efficiently organise their treatment at end of life.

Hepatitis E seroprevalence in inflammatory bowel disease / Seroprevalencia de la hepatitis E en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several cases of chronic infection by hepatitis E virus (HEV) in immunocompromised patients have been described recently. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are frequently immunocompromised because of the disease itself or due to therapy. Our aims were to determine HEV seroprevalence in patients with IBD and to detect possible chronic forms. Methods: We prospectively selected a random sample of 87 patients from our local IBD clinic database at the Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, in Madrid, Spain. Patients completed an oral epidemiologic interview. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies and HEV-RNA were determined. Medical records were reviewed, focusing on drug exposure. Results: We included 87 patients, with a mean age of 44.7 years (SD 16) and a mean of 10.4 years (SD 8.4) with IBD. Fifty-seven percent were diagnosed with Crohn's disease, 41.4% with ulcerative colitis and 1.1% with unclassified IBD. A total of 41.4% had received systemic glucocorticoids for more than 3 months, 32.2% had been treated with thiopurines, 16.1% with biological drugs, and 3.4% with methotrexate. Anti HEV-IgM was determined in 75 patients and IgG in 80, and were positive in 2.7% and 1.3%, respectively. HEV-RNA was analyzed in a random subset of 46 patients, and all determinations were negative. Therefore, no case of chronic HEV infection was detected. Conclusions: We found a low HEV seroprevalence of just 1.14% in patients with IBD, similar to that in the general population. This could be due to the lower degree of immunosuppression in this group, or to different dietary habits

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Recientemente se han descrito varios casos de infección crónica por el virus de la hepatitis E (VHE) en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) suelen estar inmunodeprimidos debido a la enfermedad en sí o debido a los tratamientos recibidos. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la seroprevalencia de VHE en pacientes con EII y detectar posibles formas crónicas. MÉTODOS: Analizamos de forma retrospectiva una muestra aleatorea de 87 pacientes de nuestra base de datos de la consulta de EII en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Ramón y Cajal, en Madrid, España. Los pacientes respondieron una encuesta epidemiológica oral y se determinaron anticuerpos IgG e IgM frente al VHE, así como RNA de VHE. Se revisaron las historias médicas, haciendo especial hincapié en los tratamientos recibidos. RESULTADOS: Incluimos 87 pacientes con una edad media de 44,7 años (D.E.16) y una media de 10,4 (D.E. 8,4) años de enfermedad. El 57% tenían una enfermedad de Crohn, 41,4% colitis ulcerosa y 1,1% colitis indeterminada. El 41,4% de ellos habían recibido corticoides sistémicos durante más de 3 meses, el 32,3% habían sido tratados con tiopurinas, el 16,1% con fármacos biológicos y el 3,4% con metotrexato. Se determinó la IgM frente a VHE en 75 pacientes y la IgG en 80, resultando positivos en 2,7% y 1,3% respectivamente. El RNA de VHE se analizó en un subgrupo aleatorio de 46 pacientes, y todas las determinaciones fueron negativas, así que no se detectó ningún caso de infección crónica por VHE. CONCLUSIONES: Encontramos una baja seroprevalencia de tan sólo 1,14% en los pacientes con EII, dato similar al de la población general. Esto podría explicarse por un menor grado de inmunosupresión en este grupo, o a diferentes hábitos dietéticos

Hepatitis E seroprevalence in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several cases of chronic infection by hepatitis E virus (HEV) in immunocompromised patients have been described recently. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are frequently immunocompromised because of the disease itself or due to therapy. Our aims were to determine HEV seroprevalence in patients with IBD and to detect possible chronic forms. METHODS: We prospectively selected a random sample of 87 patients from our local IBD clinic database at the Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, in Madrid, Spain. Patients completed an oral epidemiologic interview. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies and HEV-RNA were determined. Medical records were reviewed, focusing on drug exposure. RESULTS: We included 87 patients, with a mean age of 44.7 years (SD 16) and a mean of 10.4 years (SD 8.4) with IBD. Fifty-seven percent were diagnosed with Crohn's disease, 41.4% with ulcerative colitis and 1.1% with unclassified IBD. A total of 41.4% had received systemic glucocorticoids for more than 3 months, 32.2% had been treated with thiopurines, 16.1% with biological drugs, and 3.4% with methotrexate. Anti HEV-IgM was determined in 75 patients and IgG in 80, and were positive in 2.7% and 1.3%, respectively. HEV-RNA was analyzed in a random subset of 46 patients, and all determinations were negative. Therefore, no case of chronic HEV infection was detected. CONCLUSIONS: We found a low HEV seroprevalence of just 1.14% in patients with IBD, similar to that in the general population. This could be due to the lower degree of immunosuppression in this group, or to different dietary habits.

Incidence, management, and course of cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are at increased risk for developing some types of neoplasia. Our aims were to determin the risk for cancer in patients with IBD and to describe the relationship with immunosuppressive therapies and clinical management after tumor diagnosis. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter, observational, 5-year follow-up, cohort study. Relative risk [RR] of cancer in the IBD cohort and the background population, therapeutic strategies, and cancer evolution were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 145 cancers were diagnosed in 133 of 9100 patients with IBD (global cumulative incidence 1.6% vs 2.4% in local population; RR = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.78). Patients with IBD had a significantly increased RR of non-melanoma skin cancer [RR = 3.85; 2.53-5.80] and small bowel cancer [RR = 3.70; 1.23-11.13]. After cancer diagnosis, IBD treatment was maintained in 13 of 27 [48.1%] patients on thiopurines, in 2 of 3 on methotrexate [66.6%], none on anti-TNF-α monotherapy [n = 6] and 4 of 12 [33.3%] patients on combined therapy. Rate of death and cancer remission during follow-up did not differ [p > 0.05] between patients who maintained the treatment compared with patients who withdrew [5% vs 8% and 95% vs 74%, respectively]. An association between thiopurines [p = 0.20] or anti-TNF-α drugs [p = 0.77] and cancer was not found. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD have an increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer and small bowel cancer. Immunosuppresive therapy is not related to a higher overall risk for cancer or worse tumor evolution in patients who maintain these drugs after cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia / Acute hypertrygliceridemic pancreatitis

La pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia es la tercera causa de pancreatitis aguda en la población occidental. Normalmente hay una alteración subyacente del metabolismo lipidémico, sobre la que actúa un factor secundario. La presentación clínica es similar a la de las pancreatitis agudas de otras etiologías, aunque su curso parece ser más tórpido y recurrente. Para su diagnóstico hay que saber que algunos parámetros de la analítica pueden estar artefactados, lo que puede conducir a un fallo en el diagnóstico. Tal es el caso de la amilasa, que puede estar falsamente descendida. El tratamiento se basa en sueroterapia intensa y analgesia. Cuando no responde al tratamiento conservador, deben utilizarse otros métodos para disminuir el nivel de triglicéridos. Para ello disponemos de la plasmaféresis, la insulina y la heparina. Este artículo pretende mostrar una revisión de la literatura actual sobre esta patología (AU)

Acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is the third cause of acute pancreatitis in the Western population. There is usually an underlying alteration in lipid metabolism and a secondary factor. Clinical presentation is similar to that of pancreatitis of other etiologies, but the course of acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis seems to be worse and more recurrent. Some laboratory data can be artefacts, leading to diagnostic errors. This is the case of amylase, which can show false low levels. Treatment is based on intense fluidotherapy and analgesia. When there is no response to conservative management, other methods to lower triglyceride levels should be used. Several options are available, such as plasmapheresis, insulin, and heparin. The present article provides a review of the current literature on this entity (AU)

[Acute hypertrygliceridemic pancreatitis]. / Pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia.

Acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is the third cause of acute pancreatitis in the Western population. There is usually an underlying alteration in lipid metabolism and a secondary factor. Clinical presentation is similar to that of pancreatitis of other etiologies, but the course of acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis seems to be worse and more recurrent. Some laboratory data can be artefacts, leading to diagnostic errors. This is the case of amylase, which can show false low levels. Treatment is based on intense fluidotherapy and analgesia. When there is no response to conservative management, other methods to lower triglyceride levels should be used. Several options are available, such as plasmapheresis, insulin, and heparin. The present article provides a review of the current literature on this entity.

Thymic function failure and C-reactive protein levels are independent predictors of all-cause mortality in healthy elderly humans.

Relationship between thymic function and elderly survival has been suspected, despite the fact that formal proof is elusive due to technical limitations of thymic function-related markers. The newly described sj/ß-TREC ratio allows now, by overcoming these limitations, an accurate measurement of thymic output in elderly humans. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of thymic function and inflammatory markers on healthy elderly human survival. Healthy volunteers (n = 151), aged over 65, were asked to participate (CARRERITAS cohort). Subjects were excluded if diagnosed of dementia or, during the last 6 months, had clinical data of infection, hospital admission, antitumor therapy, or any treatment that could influence the immune status. Thymic function (sj/ß-TREC ratio), CD4:CD8 T cell ratio, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and neutrophilia were determined from basal samples. All basal variables and age were associated with 2-year all-cause mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that only thymic function and C-reactive protein were independently associated with time to death. In conclusion, we show, for the first time, the direct role of thymic function in human survival. C-reactive protein raise is also a marker of mortality in the healthy elderly, in a thymic-independent way.