Bosutinib in Resistant and Intolerant Pediatric Patients With Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Results From the Phase I Part of Study ITCC054/COG AAML1921.

PURPOSE: Bosutinib is approved for adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): 400 mg once daily in newly diagnosed (ND); 500 mg once daily in resistant/intolerant (R/I) patients. Bosutinib has a different tolerability profile than other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and potentially less impact on growth (preclinical data). The primary objective of this first-in-child trial was to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) for pediatric R/I and ND patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the phase I part of this international, open-label trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04258943), children age 1-18 years with R/I (per European LeukemiaNet 2013) Ph+ CML were enrolled using a 6 + 4 design, testing 300, 350, and 400 mg/m2 once daily with food. The RP2D was the dose resulting in 0/6 or 1/10 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during the first cycle and achieving adult target AUC levels for the respective indication. As ND participants were only enrolled in phase II, the ND RP2D was selected based on data from R/I patients. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled; 27 were evaluable for DLT: six at 300 mg/m2, 11 at 350 mg/m2 (one DLT), and 10 at 400 mg/m2 (one DLT). The mean AUCs at 300 mg/m2, 350 mg/m2, and 400 mg/m2 were 2.20 µg h/mL, 2.52 µg h/mL, and 2.66 µg h/mL, respectively. The most common adverse event was diarrhea (93%; ≥grade 3: 11%). Seven patients stopped because of intolerance and eight because of insufficient response. Complete cytogenetic and major molecular response to bosutinib appeared comparable with other published phase I/II trials with second-generation TKIs in children. CONCLUSION: Bosutinib was safe and effective. The pediatric RP2D was 400 mg/m2 once daily (max 600 mg/d) with food in R/I patients and 300 mg/m2 once daily (max 500 mg/d) with food in ND patients, which achieved targeted exposures as per adult experience.

Clinical impact of microbleeds in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are more frequent in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) than in the general population. However, their clinical significance remains poorly understood. We carried out a multimodal approach to evaluate the impact of CMBs at a clinical, neuropsychological, and survival level, as well as on core AD biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in AD patients. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 98 patients with mild-moderate AD. At baseline, they underwent brain MRI, and AD CSF biomarkers and APOE genotypes were analysed. An extensive neuropsychological battery was performed at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. We analysed the stroke incidence and mortality with survival analyses. RESULTS: Forty-eight (48.5%) patients had at least one CMBs. Eight (8.2%) patients had strictly nonlobar CMBs, 39 (40.2%) had any lobar CMB locations. The incidence of stroke was higher in AD patients with lobar CMBs than in those without CMBs (p < 0.05). Mortality did not differ among groups (p > 0.05). At the cognitive level, CMBs patients deteriorated more rapidly at 12 months according to MMSE scores, with no differences observed at 24 months. We did not observe differences in the other tests, except for an increase in caregiver burden in the CMBs group. The presence of cerebral amyloidosis and APOE ε4 were associated with a greater presence of CMBs. CONCLUSION: CMBs are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in AD patients without differences in mortality. Patients with CMBs did not seem to have different consequences associated with cognitive decline except for an increase in caregiver overload.

Post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant squamous cell carcinoma in patients with Fanconi anemia: a dreadful enemy

IntroductionHematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative option for patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) and hematological manifestations but it does not prevent solid tumors, especially squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).MethodsRetrospective study in 22 FA patients who had received HSCT and had been followed up beyond 2 years after HSCT.ResultsThe median follow-up was 15 years. Six patients developed head-and-neck SCC after transplantation. The cumulative incidence of SCC at 15 and 30 years from the HSCT was 14.2% and 71.2%, respectively. One patient was diagnosed in stage IV and the rest, who were being followed up in cancer screening programs, in stage I. Treatment of SCC consisted of surgery in all patients; radiotherapy and chemotherapy were used in two patients and were poorly tolerated.ConclusionFA patients have high risk of head-and-neck SCC. Multi-disciplinary programs for early cancer detection are of special relevance in these patients.

[50 years of the Neonatal Screening Program in Catalonia.] / 50 años del Programa de Cribado Neonatal en Cataluña.

The Catalonian Newborn Screening Program (CNSP) began in 1969, in Barcelona. It was promoted by Dr. Juan Sabater Tobella and supported by Barcelona Provincial Council and Juan March Foundation. That is how the Institute of Clinical Biochemistry was born, whose aims were diagnosis, research and teaching, along with the spirit of contributing to the prevention of mental retardation. The CNSP began with the detection of phenylketonuria (PKU), and, in 1982, the Program was expanded with the inclusion of congenital hypothyroidism detection. Towards 1990, the Program covered almost 100% of all newborns (NB) in Catalonia. In 1999, the CNSP was expanded with the incorporation of cystic fibrosis. It took fourteen years, until 2013, to make the largest expansion so far, with the incorporation of 19 metabolic diseases to the screening panel. The detection of sickle cell disease began in 2015 and in 2017 the detection of severe combined immunodeficiency was included. Currently, the CNSP includes 24 diseases in its main panel. Since 1969, 2,787,807 NBs have been screened, of whom 1,724 have been diagnosed with any of these diseases, and 252 of other disorders by differential diagnosis with those included in the main panel. The global prevalence is 1: 1,617 NBs affected by any of the diseases included in the CNSP and 1: 1,140 NBs if incidental findings diagnosed through the CNSP are included.

El Programa de Cribado Neonatal de Cataluña (PCNC) se inició en el año 1969, en Barcelona, impulsado por el Dr. Juan Sabater Tobella y apoyado por la Diputación de Barcelona y la Fundación Juan March. Así nació el Instituto de Bioquímica Clínica para acometer funciones asistenciales, de investigación y docencia, con el espíritu de contribuir a la prevención del retraso mental. El PCNC se inició con la detección de la fenilcetonuria (PKU) y en el año 1982 se amplió con la detección del hipotiroidismo congénito. Hacia el año 1990 la cobertura territorial llegó casi al 100% de todos los recién nacidos en Cataluña. En 1999 se amplió el PCNC con la incorporación de la fibrosis quística y tras catorce años, en 2013, se realizó la ampliación más numerosa hasta ahora, con la incorporación de la detección de 19 enfermedades metabólicas hereditarias. En el año 2015 comenzó la detección de la enfermedad de células falciformes y en el 2017 la detección de la inmunodeficiencia combinada grave. Actualmente, el PCNC incluye la detección de 24 enfermedades. Desde su inicio en el año 1969, se han cribado 2.787.807 recién nacidos, de los cuales 1.724 han sido diagnosticados de alguna de las 24 enfermedades que componen nuestro panel principal y 252 por diagnóstico diferencial de las primeras. En total la prevalencia global es de 1:1.617 RN afectos de alguna de las enfermedades incluidas en el PCNC y de 1:1.140 RN si se incluyen los hallazgos incidentales encontrados.

Trombocitopenia inmune primaria: experiencia de una consulta especializada / Primary immune thrombocytopenia: Experience of a specialised clinic

INTRODUCCIÓN: La trombocitopenia inmune primaria (PTI) es poco frecuente en la infancia, pero es la causa más habitual de trombocitopenia. Se han intentado establecer factores de riesgo para predecir su evolución, con el objetivo de poder optimizar su manejo, que se ha modificado en los últimos años, debido, entre otros factores, a una atención más especializada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y analítico de los pacientes con PTI, en un periodo de 3 años, en una consulta especializada en Hematología Pediátrica. RESULTADOS: Desde el punto de vista epidemiológico, clínico y analítico, las características de esta serie son similares a las de otros grupos. La mayoría de los pacientes (23/31; 74,2%) presentaron una PTI de duración menor de 12 meses, sin complicaciones graves relacionadas con la enfermedad ni con el tratamiento. Se establecieron como factores de riesgo relacionados con una evolución tórpida (supervivencia libre de eventos [SLE] menor), sin alcanzar la significación estadística, el sexo femenino, la edad mayor de 10 años, la leucopenia, la ausencia de trombocitopenia grave inicial y la atención no especializada. La ausencia de antecedente de infección se relacionó significativamente con una SLE menor. CONCLUSIONES: Los factores de riesgo de evolución tórpida de PTI epidemiológicos y analíticos de este estudio coinciden con los descritos en la literatura. Presentaron una SLE menor los pacientes tratados antes del inicio de la atención especializada. Estos datos parecen apoyar la recomendación actual de que las enfermedades poco frecuentes, como esta, se controlen en unidades especializadas

INTRODUCTION: Although primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is rare in childhood, it is the most frequent cause of thrombocytopenia. There have been attempts to establish risk factors to predict the progression of the disease in order to optimise its management, which has changed in recent years due to, among other reasons, specialised care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational and analytical study was conducted on patients diagnosed with ITP over a 3-year period in a Paediatric Haematology specialist clinic. RESULTS: From the epidemiological, clinical and analytical point of view, the characteristics of this group are similar to others. Most of the patients (23/31, 74.2%) had ITP for less than 12 months, with there being no serious complications related to the disease or the treatment received. It was established that risk factors were related to being slowly evolving (lower event-free survival (EFS)) with no statistical significance, female gender, age over 10 years, leukopenia absence of initial severe thrombocytopenia, and non-specialised care. The absence of a history of infection was significantly related to a lower EFS. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological and analytical risk factors for a slowly evolving ITP are the same that described in the literature. Patients treated before the beginning of specialised care also had a lower EFS. These data seem to support the current recommendation that rare diseases should be managed in specialised units

[Primary immune thrombocytopenia: Experience of a specialised clinic]. / Trombocitopenia inmune primaria: experiencia de una consulta especializada.

INTRODUCTION: Although primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is rare in childhood, it is the most frequent cause of thrombocytopenia. There have been attempts to establish risk factors to predict the progression of the disease in order to optimise its management, which has changed in recent years due to, among other reasons, specialised care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational and analytical study was conducted on patients diagnosed with ITP over a 3-year period in a Paediatric Haematology specialist clinic. RESULTS: From the epidemiological, clinical and analytical point of view, the characteristics of this group are similar to others. Most of the patients (23/31, 74.2%) had ITP for less than 12 months, with there being no serious complications related to the disease or the treatment received. It was established that risk factors were related to being slowly evolving (lower event-free survival (EFS)) with no statistical significance, female gender, age over 10 years, leukopenia absence of initial severe thrombocytopenia, and non-specialised care. The absence of a history of infection was significantly related to a lower EFS. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological and analytical risk factors for a slowly evolving ITP are the same that described in the literature. Patients treated before the beginning of specialised care also had a lower EFS. These data seem to support the current recommendation that rare diseases should be managed in specialised units.

50 años del Programa de Cribado Neonatal en Cataluña / 50 years of the Neonatal Screening Program in Catalonia

El Programa de Cribado Neonatal de Cataluña (PCNC) se inició en el año 1969, en Barcelona, impulsado por el Dr. Juan Sabater Tobella y apoyado por la Diputación de Barcelona y la Fundación Juan March. Así nació el Instituto de Bioquímica Clínica para acometer funciones asistenciales, de investigación y docencia, con el espíritu de contribuir a la prevención del retraso mental. El PCNC se inició con la detección de la fenilcetonuria (PKU) y en el año 1982 se amplió con la detección del hipotiroidismo congénito. Hacia el año 1990 la cobertura territorial llegó casi al 100% de todos los recién nacidos en Cataluña. En 1999 se amplió el PCNC con la incorporación de la fibrosis quística y tras catorce años, en 2013, se realizó la ampliación más numerosa hasta ahora, con la incorporación de la detección de 19 enfermedades metabólicas hereditarias. En el año 2015 comenzó la detección de la enfermedad de células falciformes y en el 2017 la detección de la inmunodeficiencia combinada grave. Actualmente, el PCNC incluye la detección de 24 enfermedades. Desde su inicio en el año 1969, se han cribado 2.787.807 recién nacidos, de los cuales 1.724 han sido diagnosticados de alguna de las 24 enfermedades que componen nuestro panel principal y 252 por diagnóstico diferencial de las primeras. En total la prevalencia global es de 1:1.617 RN afectos de alguna de las enfermedades incluidas en el PCNC y de 1:1.140 RN si se incluyen los hallazgos incidentales encontrados

The Catalonian Newborn Screening Program (CNSP) began in 1969, in Barcelona. It was promoted by Dr. Juan Sabater Tobella and supported by Barcelona Provincial Council and Juan March Foundation. That is how the Institute of Clinical Biochemistry was born, whose aims were diagnosis, research and teaching, along with the spirit of contributing to the prevention of mental retardation. The CNSP began with the detection of phenylketonuria (PKU), and, in 1982, the Program was expanded with the inclusion of congenital hypothyroidism detection. Towards 1990, the Program covered almost 100% of all newborns (NB) in Catalonia. In 1999, the CNSP was expanded with the incorporation of cystic fibrosis. It took fourteen years, until 2013, to make the largest expansion so far, with the incorporation of 19 metabolic diseases to the screening panel. The detection of sickle cell disease began in 2015 and in 2017 the detection of severe combined immunodeficiency was included. Currently, the CNSP includes 24 diseases in its main panel. Since 1969, 2,787,807 NBs have been screened, of whom 1,724 have been diagnosed with any of these diseases, and 252 of other disorders by differential diagnosis with those included in the main panel. The global prevalence is 1: 1,617 NBs affected by any of the diseases included in the CNSP and 1: 1,140 NBs if incidental findings diagnosed through the CNSP are included

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in European Patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: A high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been associated with adverse outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, information on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant advanced NSCLC is scarce, and most of the studies published have been conducted in Asian populations. We aimed to assess the influence of pretreatment NLR on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in Western European patients treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 41 patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC treated with EGFR TKIs between June 2010 and May 2016 was carried out. The association between several prognostic factors including pretreatment NLR and survival was analyzed. RESULTS: Median PFS and OS were 10.58 and 20.84 months, respectively. OS for patients with a high NLR was 7.4 months, compared to 24.6 months for patients with a low NLR (p = 0.0122). In multivariate analysis, poor performance status (ECOG PS ≥ 2) and presence of ≥ 3 metastatic locations were identified as significant independent prognostic factors for worse PFS. For OS, unfavorable prognostic factors were a high NLR and central nervous system metastasis at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment NLR is an independent prognostic factor for OS in Western European patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with EGFR TKIs.

An unexpected diagnosis in a patient with new-onset pulmonary infiltrates during adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

The differential diagnosis of new-onset pulmonary infiltrates during adjuvant therapy in a cancer patient is challenging. Opportunistic infections, pulmonary drug-induced toxicity and metastatic dissemination of the underlying cancer are the most common causes. However, although infrequent, the development of a second primary pulmonary neoplasia should be taken into account. We present the clinical case of a breast cancer patient who developed progressive pulmonary infiltrates during adjuvant therapy, who was finally diagnosed as having a second lung neoplasm of unexpected histology.

Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans / Langerhans cell histiocytosis

No disponible

Infecciones por Serratia, ¿debemos pensar en mmunodeficienaas primarias? / Serratia infections, should we think about primary immunodeficiencies?

La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica es una inmunodeficiencia primaria, con una incidencia de 1/200 000-250 000recién nacidos vivos. Afecta, principalmente, a varones; la mayoría de las mutaciones son ligadas al cromosoma X y las formas autosómicas recesivas ocurren, con más frecuencia, en comunidades con mayor número de matrimonios consanguíneos. Se caracteriza por sensibilidad a infecciones recurrentes y graves, bacterianas y fúngicas, con formación de granulomas, debido a la incapacidad de los fagocitos para generar compuestos reactivos de oxígeno, necesarios para la muerte intracelular de microorganismos fagocitados. Se presentan tres casos de enfermedad granulomatosa crónica en los que se aisló Serratia marcescens y, tras una anamnesis minuciosa y obtener resultados de pruebas de funcionalidad de neutrófilos, se llegó a un diagnóstico molecular de la enfermedad. La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica puede manifestarse de formas muy variadas, por lo que el alto índice de sospecha y una buena anamnesis son fundamentales para alcanzar un diagnóstico.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency with an incidence of 1/200,000-250,000 live births. CGD affects mainly male patients, most of the mutations being X-linked, and autosomal recessive forms occur more frequently in communities with greater numbers of consanguineous marriages. CGD is characterized by sensitivity to recurrent and severe bacterial and fungal infections, with formation of granulomas due to the inability of phagocytes to generate reactive oxygen compounds, necessary for the intracellular death of phagocytic microorganisms. We report three cases of CGD in which Serratia marcescens was isolated, and after detailed anamnesis and performance of neutrophil function tests, a molecular diagnosis of the disease was reached. CGD can be manifested in a wide variety of ways, so that high suspicion and a meticulous anamnesis are essential to reach a diagnosis.

[Serratia infections, should we think about primary immunodeficiencies?] / Infecciones por serratia, ¿debemos pensar en inmunodeficiencias primarias?

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency with an incidence of 1/200,000-250,000 live births. CGD affects mainly male patients, most of the mutations being X-linked, and autosomal recessive forms occur more frequently in communities with greater numbers of consanguineous marriages. CGD is characterized by sensitivity to recurrent and severe bacterial and fungal infections, with formation of granulomas due to the inability of phagocytes to generate reactive oxygen compounds, necessary for the intracellular death of phagocytic microorganisms. We report three cases of CGD in which Serratia marcescens was isolated, and after detailed anamnesis and performance of neutrophil function tests, a molecular diagnosis of the disease was reached. CGD can be manifested in a wide variety of ways, so that high suspicion and a meticulous anamnesis are essential to reach a diagnosis.

La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica es una inmunodeficiencia primaria, con una incidencia de 1/200 000-250 000 recién nacidos vivos. Afecta, principalmente, a varones; la mayoría de las mutaciones son ligadas al cromosoma X y las formas autosómicas recesivas ocurren, con más frecuencia, en comunidades con mayor número de matrimonios consanguíneos. Se caracteriza por sensibilidad a infecciones recurrentes y graves, bacterianas y fúngicas, con formación de granulomas, debido a la incapacidad de los fagocitos para generar compuestos reactivos de oxígeno, necesarios para la muerte intracelular de microorganismos fagocitados. Se presentan tres casos de enfermedad granulomatosa crónica en los que se aisló Serratia marcescens y, tras una anamnesis minuciosa y obtener resultados de pruebas de funcionalidad de neutrófilos, se llegó a un diagnóstico molecular de la enfermedad. La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica puede manifestarse de formas muy variadas, por lo que el alto índice de sospecha y una buena anamnesis son fundamentales para alcanzar un diagnóstico.

Anemia arregenerativa en el lactante: 2 casos de smdrome de Pearson / A regenerative anemia in infants: 2 cases of Pearson's syndrome

La anemia es frecuente en lactantes, y, aunque su causa, habitualmente, es banal, debe establecerse un diagnóstico etiológico adecuado. Cuando la anemia es arregenerativa, puede deberse a aplasia medular, síndrome mielodisplásico, infiltración medular o déficits de factores hematopoyéticos. Otra posible causa es el síndrome de Pearson, una rara enfermedad mitocondrial que se presenta con anemia asociada a otras citopenias, insuficiencia pancreática, acidosis láctica y gran variabilidad en su presentación clínica condicionada por la heteroplasmia. Es característico encontrar en el aspirado/biopsia de médula ósea vacuolización de los precursores de serie roja y sideroblastos en anillo. El diagnóstico de certeza se establece mediante el estudio genético del ácido desoxirribonucleico mitocondrial con Southern blot (amplificación completa de ácido desoxirribonucleico mitocondrial mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-largo), que obtiene deleción del 70%-80% de 4977 pb (DNAm 8343-13459). No existe tratamiento curativo y las medidas son de soporte. Es frecuente el fallecimiento en los primeros años de vida. Se presentan dos casos de lactantes con síndrome de Pearson.

Anemia is very common in infants. Although its causes are usually not severe and treatable, proper etiologic diagnosis should be established. When anemia is non-regenerative, it can be caused by aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, bone marrow infiltration or hematopoietic factors deficiencies. Another possible cause is Pearson's syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease that causes non-regenerative anemia associated with other cytopenias, pancreatic insufficiency, lactic acidosis and great variability in clinical presentation conditioned by heteroplasmy. It is characteristic to find in bone marrow studies variable vacuolization in erythroblastic progenitors and ring sideroblasts. The diagnosis is established by genetic study of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid performed by Southern blot analysis (complete mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction -long), obtaining 70-80% deletion of 4977 bp (NMD 8343-13459). There is no curative therapy and support treatment is the only available nowadays. Death is frequent in early years of life. Two cases of infants with Pearson syndrome are presented.

[A regenerative anemia in infants: 2 cases of Pearson´s syndrome]. / Anemia arregenerativa en el lactante: 2 casos de síndrome de Pearson.

Anemia is very common in infants. Although its causes are usually not severe and treatable, proper etiologic diagnosis should be established. When anemia is non-regenerative, it can be caused by aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, bone marrow infiltration or hematopoietic factors deficiencies. Another possible cause is Pearson's syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease that causes non-regenerative anemia associated with other cytopenias, pancreatic insufficiency, lactic acidosis and great variability in clinical presentation conditioned by heteroplasmy. It is characteristic to find in bone marrow studies variable vacuolization in erythroblastic progenitors and ring sideroblasts. The diagnosis is established by genetic study of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid performed by Southern blot analysis (complete mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction -long), obtaining 70-80% deletion of 4977 bp (NMD 8343-13459). There is no curative therapy and support treatment is the only available nowadays. Death is frequent in early years of life.

La anemia es frecuente en lactantes, y, aunque su causa, habitualmente, es banal, debe establecerse un diagnóstico etiológico adecuado. Cuando la anemia es arregenerativa, puede deberse a aplasia medular, síndrome mielodisplásico, infiltración medular o déficits de factores hematopoyéticos. Otra posible causa es el síndrome de Pearson, una rara enfermedad mitocondrial que se presenta con anemia asociada a otras citopenias, insuficiencia pancreática, acidosis láctica y gran variabilidad en su presentación clínica condicionada por la heteroplasmia. Es característico encontrar en el aspirado/biopsia de médula ósea vacuolización de los precursores de serie roja y sideroblastos en anillo. El diagnóstico de certeza se establece mediante el estudio genético del ácido desoxirribonucleico mitocondrial con Southern blot (amplificación completa de ácido desoxirribonucleico mitocondrial mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-largo), que obtiene deleción del 70%-80% de 4977 pb (DNAm 8343-13459). No existe tratamiento curativo y las medidas son de soporte. Es frecuente el fallecimiento en los primeros años de vida. Se presentan dos casos de lactantes con síndrome de Pearson

Acute Q Fever Presenting with Multi-Organ Failure: Re-Evaluation of the Initial Diagnosis.

We present the case of a 48-year-old man admitted to the critical care unit with atrial fibrillation, and acute heart and kidney failure accompanied by coagulopathy and an abnormal liver test. Initially diagnosed as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, re-evaluation of the case led to the consideration of severe sepsis. Q fever and leptospirosis were the most probable causes and empiric treatment was initiated. A complete recovery was achieved following treatment. LEARNING POINTS: Epidemiological antecedents of interest must always be collected in the clinical record.Acute Q fever infection may be mild or present with multiple organ damage.Empiric treatment with doxycycline must be started when Q fever is suspected.

Gender-related invasion differences associated with mRNA expression levels of melatonin membrane receptors in colorectal cancer.

Melatonin inhibits growth and invasive capacity of colon cancer cells in vitro through its membrane (MT1 and MT2) and/or nuclear receptors (RORα). Previous studies showed that this indoleamine is present in both the normal and colon cancer at similar levels. Therefore, we analyzed MT1, MT2, and RORα expression in tumor samples versus normal mucosa (NM) from patients suffering from colorectal cancer (CRC). Given the existence of sex differences in the incidence and pathology of CRC and the involvement of steroid receptors in the oncostatic actions of melatonin in some types of cancer, we also analyzed the expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERß. Finally, we conducted some experiments in colon cancer cell lines to corroborate the experiments carried out in human tumors. We found a decreased expression of MT1, MT2, AR, ERα, and ERß in tumor samples versus NM, but no changes in RORα expression in the whole cohort of patients. Classifying tumors by stage and gender, MT1, MT2, AR, ERα, and ERß expression decreased in both early stage and advanced tumors, but only in male patients. On the other hand, MT1 and MT2 expression correlated positively with AR, ERα, and ERß expression in male patients and with ERα or ERß in female patients. In vitro, the invasive capacity was higher in cells with the least expression of MT1, MT2, and AR, and nonselective MT1/MT2 agonists inhibited cell growth and invasion. These results could indicate a possible interaction of these pathways.

Hepatic expression of adiponectin receptors increases with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression in morbid obesity in correlation with glutathione peroxidase 1.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obesity is very high. The role of adiponectin receptors in NAFLD progression remains still unclear. We speculate that changes in the hepatic expression levels of the two adiponectin receptors may be associated with the expression of oxidative stress-related genes. METHODS: We studied 60 morbidly obese patients with NAFLD, who underwent liver biopsy at the time of bariatric surgery. We measured the hepatic messenger-RNA concentration of adiponectin receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), glutathione reductase (GRd) and inducible oxide nitric synthase. Additionally, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers were determined in blood samples. According to the Kleiner score, the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (25 patients without steatohepatitis) and group 2 (25 patients with probable steatohepatitis and ten patients with steatohepatitis). RESULTS: The messenger-RNA concentration of all genes analysed in the study was higher among the patients in group 2. However, no differences in blood oxidative stress markers were observed. Strong correlations were found among the expression levels of ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2 and GPx1. The multivariate analysis showed that the only independent variable associated with NAFLD progression was the increase in GPx1 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD progression in morbid obesity is associated with increase in hepatic adiponectin receptor and oxidative stress-related genes. The linear correlations suggest that ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2 and GPx1 share key molecular factors in the regulation of the genetic expressions.