Cumulative exposure to tacrolimus and incidence of cancer after liver transplantation.

Cancer is the leading cause of death after liver transplantation (LT). This multicenter case-control nested study aimed to evaluate the effect of maintenance immunosuppression on post-LT malignancy. The eligible cohort included 2495 LT patients who received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. After 13 922 person/years follow-up, 425 patients (19.7%) developed malignancy (cases) and were matched with 425 controls by propensity score based on age, gender, smoking habit, etiology of liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before LT. The independent predictors of post-LT malignancy were older age (HR = 1.06 [95% CI 1.05-1.07]; p < .001), male sex (HR = 1.50 [95% CI 1.14-1.99]), smoking habit (HR = 1.96 [95% CI 1.42-2.66]), and alcoholic liver disease (HR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.19-1.97]). In selected cases and controls (n = 850), the immunosuppression protocol was similar (p = .51). An increased cumulative exposure to tacrolimus (CET), calculated by the area under curve of trough concentrations, was the only immunosuppression-related predictor of post-LT malignancy after controlling for clinical features and baseline HCC (CET at 3 months p = .001 and CET at 12 months p = .004). This effect was consistent for de novo malignancy (after excluding HCC recurrence) and for internal neoplasms (after excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Therefore, tacrolimus minimization, as monitored by CET, is the key to modulate immunosuppression in order to prevent cancer after LT.

Lung Ultrasound as a First-Line Test in the Evaluation of Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Sequelae.

Background: Interstitial lung sequelae are increasingly being reported in survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia. An early detection of these lesions may help prevent the development of irreversible lung fibrosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has shown high diagnostic accuracy in interstitial lung disease (ILD) and could likely be used as a first-line test for post-COVID-19 lung sequelae. Methods: Single-center observational prospective study. Follow-up assessments of consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia were conducted 2-5 months after the hospitalization. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and LUS. Radiological alterations in HRCT were quantified using the Warrick score. The LUS score was obtained by evaluating the presence of pathological B-lines in 12 thoracic areas (range, 0-12). The correlation between the LUS and Warrick scores was analyzed. Results: Three hundred and fifty-two patients who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited between July and September 2020. At follow-up, dyspnea was the most frequent symptom (69.3%). FVC and DLCO alterations were present in 79 (22.4%) and 234 (66.5%) patients, respectively. HRCT showed relevant interstitial lung sequelae (RILS) in 154 (43.8%) patients (Warrick score ≥ 7). The LUS score was strongly correlated with the HRCT Warrick score (r = 0.77) and showed a moderate inverse correlation with DLCO (r = -0.55). The ROC curve analysis revealed that a LUS score ≥ 3 indicated an excellent ability to discriminate patients with RILS (sensitivity, 94.2%; specificity, 81.8%; negative predictive value, 94.7%). Conclusions: LUS could be implemented as a first-line procedure in the evaluation of Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung sequelae. A normal LUS examination rules out the presence of these sequelae in COVID-19 survivors, avoiding the need for additional diagnostic tests such as HRCT.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and liver transplantation, a new paradigm.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a type of hemolytic anemia acquired by the PIG-A gene mutation. This causes a deficiency of a complement regulatory protein, CD59, which results in hemolysis, hemoglobinuria and thrombosis (due to the release of procoagulant factors). Budd-Chiari syndrome is characteristic in these patients and has classically been considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT) due to post-transplant recurrence. Since the approval of eculizumab for the treatment of PHN, disease control is possible and therefore the post-transplant recurrence of thrombotic phenomena involving the liver is avoided.

Indicaciones de la rehabilitación vestibular / Indications of vestibular rehabilitation

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: Desde la aplicación de la rehabilitación vestibular como tratamiento del paciente con mareo, las indicaciones han ido ampliándose en función del avance de los procedimientos aplicados, pasando de una terapia puramente física a otra en la que además, se usan instrumentos que aporta el avance tecnológico. En este capítulo, vamos a presentar las distintas indicaciones que hoy en día se han demostrado eficaces y aquellas que aún no han sido validadas a pesar de que muchos autores las defienden. MÉTODO: revisión narrativa. RESULTADOS: Además de la utilidad de la rehabilitación vestibular en el déficit vestibular agudo, también lo es en diferentes patologías crónicas, aunque siguen quedando pendientes algunas cuestiones como conocer el momento idóneo de su aplicación. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES: la rehabilitación vestibular es fundamental en el tratamiento de muchos tipos de patología vestibular. Es importante tener en cuenta todas las indicaciones posibles para poder ofrecer al paciente un tratamiento adecuado que conlleve un mejor resultado terapéutico

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Since the application of vestibular rehabilitation as a treatment for patients with dizziness, the indications have been extended according to the progress of the procedures applied, going from a purely physical therapy to another in which, in addition, instruments that provide technological advancement are used. In this chapter, we will present the different indications that have proved effective today and those that have not yet been validated despite the fact that many authors defend them. METHOD: narrative review. RESULTS: In addition to the usefulness of vestibular rehabilitation in acute vestibular deficit, it is also useful in different chronic pathologies, although some issues remain pending, such as knowing the appropriate moment of its application. Discussion/conclusions: Vestibular rehabilitation is elementary in the treatment of many types of vestibular pathology. It is important to take into account all possible indications in order to offer the patient an appropriate treatment that leads to a better therapeutic result

Terapia física en la hipofunción vestibular unilateral y bilateral / Physical therapy in unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction

INTRODUCCIÓN: La rehabilitación vestibular (RV) basada en la terapia física, tiene el objetivo, en el caso de patología vestibular, de inducir la compensación del sistema nervioso central (SNC) a nivel de núcleos vestibulares y de otros niveles del SNC. Incluye ejercicios de habituación, adaptación y sustitución vestibular, ejercicios para mejorar el equilibrio y el control postural dinámico y ejercicios para el acondicionamiento general. En este capítulo discutimos los recientes avances sobre el adiestramiento del equilibrio y de la marcha, la estabilidad de la mirada y la habituación, en el contexto de los trastornos vestibulares uni y bilaterales. MÉTODO: Revisión narrativa. RESULTADOS: Los ejercicios se prescriben para mejorar la función; fortaleciendo, y favoreciendo la flexibilidad y la resistencia, a través de la adaptación del RVO, la habituación, la sustitución sensorial, la marcha y el equilibrio postural. Son más eficaces los programas personalizados que los genéricos. El cumplimiento mejora con la personalización y las visitas de seguimiento a un fisioterapeuta. Discusión/CONCLUSIONES: La RV permite mejorar el déficit funcional y los síntomas subjetivos derivados de la hipofunción vestibular periférica uni y bilateral, así como las alteraciones del equilibrio de origen central. Los objetivos de la RV consisten en reducir los síntomas para mejorar la estabilidad postural y de la mirada (particularmente durante los movimientos de la cabeza) y devolver al individuo a sus actividades normales, incluyendo la actividad física, la conducción y el trabajo habitual. Los médicos deben ofrecer la RV a quienes muestren limitaciones funcionales relacionadas con un déficit vestibular, pues actualmente se considera el tratamiento estándar en la disfunción vestibular periférica

INTRODUCTION: The vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based method, aiming to maximize central nervous system (CNS) compensation at vestibular nuclear and other CNS levels for vestibular pathology. Vestibular rehabilitation includes exercises to habituate symptoms, exercises to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution, exercises to improve balance and dynamic postural control, and exercises to improve general conditioning. Recent advances in balance and gait training, gaze stability training, habituation training, are discussed in this chapter in the context of unilateral and bilateral vestibular disorders. METHOD: Narrative review. RESULTS: Exercises are prescribed that address VOR adaptation, habituation, sensory substitution, gait and posture, strengthening, flexibility, and endurance to maximize functioning. Customized exercise programs have been shown to be more effective than providing a patient with a generic exercise program. It is thought that compliance is enhanced with customization and with follow-up visits with a physical therapist. Discussion/ conclusions: VR therapy is effective in improving functional deficits and subjective symptoms resulting from unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular hypo function, as well as from central balance disorders. The goals of vestibular rehabilitation are to reduce subjective symptoms, to improve gaze and postural stability (particularly during head movements), and to return the individual to normal activities, including regular physical activity, driving, and work. Clinicians should offer vestibular rehabilitation to persons with impairments and functional limitations related to the vestibular deficit. Vestibular rehabilitation is now considered the standard of care for persons with peripheral vestibular dysfunction

Influence of demographic and clinical features of the patient on transit times and impact the on the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy

Background: transit times in the gastric cavity and the small bowel can be easily calculated using capsule endoscopy software. The factors that can influence these times and impact on diagnostic yield have not been completely assessed. Aims: to analyze the influence of demographic and clinical features on transit times and the impact on diagnostic yield. Methods: a retrospective, single-center study of examinations between January 2013 and November 2017 was performed. The analyzed features included gender, age, body mass index, diabetes, thyroid disease and indications. The association and correlation between the variables were assessed, as well as the presence of positive and significant findings. Results: six hundred and thirty-one patients were included in the study. Gastric and small bowel transit times were 36.10 +/- 48.50 and 251.82 +/- 116.42 minutes, respectively. Gastric time was not affected by any of the variables. Small bowel time was longer in males, patients over 60 years of age and diabetics. Prolonged small bowel time, male gender and older age were associated with a higher diagnostic yield. Age over 60 years was the only factor independently associated with positive findings (OR: 1.550 [1.369-1.754]; p: 0.007). Conclusions: patients over 60 years have a longer small bowel transit time and higher probability of having small bowel lesions. Males and diabetic patients also seem more likely to have longer transit times and higher rates of positive findings

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Influence of demographic and clinical features of the patient on transit times and impact the on the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: transit times in the gastric cavity and the small bowel can be easily calculated using capsule endoscopy software. The factors that can influence these times and impact on diagnostic yield have not been completely assessed. AIMS: to analyze the influence of demographic and clinical features on transit times and the impact on diagnostic yield. METHODS: a retrospective, single-center study of examinations between January 2013 and November 2017 was performed. The analyzed features included gender, age, body mass index, diabetes, thyroid disease and indications. The association and correlation between the variables were assessed, as well as the presence of positive and significant findings. RESULTS: six hundred and thirty-one patients were included in the study. Gastric and small bowel transit times were 36.10 ± 48.50 and 251.82 ± 116.42 minutes, respectively. Gastric time was not affected by any of the variables. Small bowel time was longer in males, patients over 60 years of age and diabetics. Prolonged small bowel time, male gender and older age were associated with a higher diagnostic yield. Age over 60 years was the only factor independently associated with positive findings (OR: 1.550 [1.369-1.754]; p: 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: patients over 60 years have a longer small bowel transit time and higher probability of having small bowel lesions. Males and diabetic patients also seem more likely to have longer transit times and higher rates of positive findings.

Marcadores de actividad en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Use of biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease

Existe una gran variedad de marcadores útiles tanto en el diagnóstico como en el seguimiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Clásicamente se han utilizado los serológicos, ampliamente distribuidos y accesibles, pero en los últimos años han cobrado importancia los fecales, en especial la calprotectina fecal, por haber demostrado mayor precisión a la hora tanto de establecer la sospecha de la enfermedad como de predecir la curación mucosa o la persistencia de actividad inflamatoria. La calprotectina fecal muestra buena capacidad para predecir estudios endoscópicos patológicos, pero tiene una especificidad limitada ya que puede alterarse en otros cuadros digestivos con síntomas similares. La calprotectina fecal presenta mayor precisión cuando se asocia a otros parámetros, en especial a la proteína C reactiva, y a escalas clínicas de actividad inflamatoria. Finalmente, hay múltiples marcadores de nueva generación, serológicos y fecales, de los que hay escasa evidencia, aunque algunos han mostrado resultados prometedores en diferentes estudios

There are many useful biomarkers for initial diagnosis and the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Serologic biomarkers have been traditionally used because they are widely disposable, but recently faecal biomarkers, especially faecal calprotectin, have acquired great importance as they have shown to be more precise when establishing suspicion of the disease and also as predictors of mucosal healing or persistence of inflammatory activity. Faecal calprotectin is a good tool for predicting abnormal endoscopic studies, but has limited specificity because its levels can be altered in many digestive diseases presenting with similar symptoms. The precision of faecal calprotectin is higher when associated with other altered parameters, especially with C-reactive protein, or with clinical scores of inflammatory activity. Finally, there are many new generation serologic and faecal biomarkers. Despite there not being much evidence about these yet, some of them have shown promising results in different studies

Use of biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease. / Marcadores de actividad en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

There are many useful biomarkers for initial diagnosis and the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Serologic biomarkers have been traditionally used because they are widely disposable, but recently faecal biomarkers, especially faecal calprotectin, have acquired great importance as they have shown to be more precise when establishing suspicion of the disease and also as predictors of mucosal healing or persistence of inflammatory activity. Faecal calprotectin is a good tool for predicting abnormal endoscopic studies, but has limited specificity because its levels can be altered in many digestive diseases presenting with similar symptoms. The precision of faecal calprotectin is higher when associated with other altered parameters, especially with C-reactive protein, or with clinical scores of inflammatory activity. Finally, there are many new generation serologic and faecal biomarkers. Despite there not being much evidence about these yet, some of them have shown promising results in different studies.

Neuropatía auditiva autosómica dominante y variante DIAPH3 (c.-173C>T) / Autosomal dominant auditory neuropathy and variant DIAPH3 (c.-173C>T)

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Palinacusia secundaria a daño cerebral por metotrexato / Palinacousis secondary to brain damage from methotrexate

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