Impact of plasmapheresis on severe COVID-19.

The clinical course of COVID-19 may show severe presentation, potentially involving dynamic cytokine storms and T cell lymphopenia, which are leading causes of death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma exchange therapy (PLEX) effectively removes pro-inflammatory factors, modulating and restoring innate and adaptive immune responses. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of PLEX on the survival of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on the cytokine release syndrome. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm syndrome were selected to receive 2 sessions of PLEX or standard therapy. Primary outcome was all-cause 60-days mortality; secondary outcome was requirement of mechanical ventilation, SOFA, NEWs-2 scores modification, reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hospitalization time. Twenty patients received PLEX were compared against 40 patients receiving standard therapy. PLEX reduced 60-days mortality (50% vs 20%; OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.071-0.880; p = 0.029), and this effect was independent from demographic variables and drug therapies used. PLEX significantly decreased SOFA, NEWs-2, pro-inflammatory mediators and increased lymphocyte count, accompanied with a trend to reduce affected lung volume, without effect on SatO2/FiO2 indicator or mechanical ventilation requirement. PLEX therapy provided significant benefits of pro-inflammatory clearance and reduction of 60-days mortality in selected patients with COVID-19, without significant adverse events.

Malos resultados y complicaciones en el uso de ondas de choque focales y ondas de presión radial en patología musculoesquelética / Poor results and complications in the use of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology

La aplicación de ondas de choque focales y de ondas de presión radial en patología musculoesquelética ha tenido un gran desarrollo y difusión en la última década. Si bien la mayoría de las publicaciones han resaltado su seguridad y eficacia, no están exentas de malos resultados y complicaciones. Esta revisión analiza las principales causas de los malos resultados, efectos adversos y complicaciones, haciendo énfasis en su prevención.(AU)

The application of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology has had a great development in the last decade. Although most of the publications have highlighted their safety and efficacy, poor results and complications can occur. This review analyzes the main causes of its poor results, adverse effects, and complications, emphasizing their prevention.(AU)

[Poor results and complications in the use of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology]. / Malos resultados y complicaciones en el uso de ondas de choque focales y ondas de presión radial en patología musculoesquelética.

The application of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology has had a great development in the last decade. Although most of the publications have highlighted their safety and efficacy, poor results and complications can occur. This review analyzes the main causes of its poor results, adverse effects, and complications, emphasizing their prevention.

Structural differences in the diaphragm of patients following controlled vs assisted and spontaneous mechanical ventilation.

PURPOSE: Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction or damage (VIDD) is highly prevalent in patients under mechanical ventilation (MV), but its analysis is limited by the difficulty of obtaining histological samples. In this study we compared diaphragm histological characteristics in Maastricht III (MSIII) and brain-dead (BD) organ donors and in control subjects undergoing thoracic surgery (CTL) after a period of either controlled or spontaneous MV (CMV or SMV). METHODS: In this prospective study, biopsies were obtained from diaphragm and quadriceps. Demographic variables, comorbidities, severity on admission, treatment, and ventilatory variables were evaluated. Immunohistochemical analysis (fiber size and type percentages) and quantification of abnormal fibers (a surrogate of muscle damage) were performed. RESULTS: Muscle samples were obtained from 35 patients. MSIII (n = 16) had more hours on MV (either CMV or SMV) than BD (n = 14) and also spent more hours and a greater percentage of time with diaphragm stimuli (time in assisted and spontaneous modalities). Cross-sectional area (CSA) was significantly reduced in the diaphragm and quadriceps in both groups in comparison with CTL (n = 5). Quadriceps CSA was significantly decreased in MSIII compared to BD but there were no differences in the diaphragm CSA between the two groups. Those MSIII who spent 100 h or more without diaphragm stimuli presented reduced diaphragm CSA without changes in their quadriceps CSA. The proportion of internal nuclei in MSIII diaphragms tended to be higher than in BD diaphragms, and their proportion of lipofuscin deposits tended to be lower, though there were no differences in the quadriceps fiber evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence in humans regarding the effects of different modes of MV (controlled, assisted, and spontaneous) on diaphragm myofiber damage, and shows that diaphragm inactivity during mechanical ventilation is associated with the development of VIDD.

La hipovitaminosis D grave al ingreso en el paciente crítico se asocia a fracaso renal agudo y mal pronóstico / Severe vitamin D deficiency upon admission in critically ill patients is related to acute kidney injury and a poor prognosis

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D al ingreso en el Servicio de Medicina Intensiva (SMI), así como su asociación con el pronóstico del paciente crítico. DISEÑO: Análisis observacional prospectivo llevado a cabo desde enero a noviembre de 2015. Los pacientes incluidos fueron seguidos hasta su fallecimiento o alta hospitalaria. Ámbito: SMI polivalente de un hospital universitario. PACIENTES: Todos los individuos adultos que ingresaron en el SMI durante el periodo de estudio y que no presentaban factores conocidos que pudieran alterar los valores sanguíneos de 25(OH)D. INTERVENCIONES: Determinación de los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D en las primeras 24 h de ingreso en el SMI. Principales variables de interés: Prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D al ingreso en UCI y mortalidad a los 28 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 135 individuos. El 74% de los pacientes presentó niveles bajos de 25(OH)D en el momento de su ingreso en el SMI. El grupo de pacientes que fallecieron presentaba niveles significativamente inferiores al grupo de pacientes que sobrevivieron (8,14 ng/mL [6,17-11,53] vs. 12 ng/mL [7,1-20,30], p = 0,04) y el valor en sangre de 25(OH)D al ingreso se mostró como factor de riesgo independiente en el análisis multivariado (OR 2,86; IC 95% 1,05-7,86, p = 0,04). La curva ROC fue de 0,61 (IC 95% 0,51-0,75) y el mejor punto de corte para predecir mortalidad fue de 10,9 ng/mL. Los pacientes con valores de 25(OH)D < 10,9 ng/mL también presentaron mayores tasas de fracaso renal agudo (13 vs. 29%, p = 0,02). CONCLUSIÓN: Existe una elevada prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en el momento de ingreso en el SMI. La hipovitaminosis D severa (25[OH]D < 10,9 ng/mL) al ingreso en el SMI se asocia a mayor incidencia de fracaso renal agudo y mayor mortalidad

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients upon admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and its prognostic implications. DESIGN: A single-center, prospective observational study was carried out from January to November 2015. Patients were followed-up on until death or hospital discharge. SETTING: The department of Critical Care Medicine of a university hospital. PATIENTS: All adults admitted to the ICU during the study period, without known factors capable of altering serum 25(OH)D concentration. INTERVENTIONS: Determination of serum 25(OH)D levels within the first 24 h following admission to the ICU. Main variables of interest: Prevalence and mortality at 28 days. RESULTS: The study included 135 patients, of which 74% presented deficient serum 25(OH)D levels upon admission to the ICU. Non-survivors showed significantly lower levels than survivors (8.14 ng/ml [6.17-11.53] vs. 12 ng/ml [7.1-20.30]; P = .04], and the serum 25(OH)D levels were independently associated to mortality (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.05-7.86; P = .04]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.61 (95% CI 0.51-0.75), and the best cut-off point for predicting mortality was 10.9 ng/ml. Patients with serum 25(OH)D < 10.9 ng/ml also showed higher acute kidney injury rates (13 vs. 29%; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent upon admission to the ICU. Severe Vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D < 10.9 ng/ml) upon admission to the ICU is associated to acute kidney injury and mortality

Severe vitamin D deficiency upon admission in critically ill patients is related to acute kidney injury and a poor prognosis. / La hipovitaminosis D grave al ingreso en el paciente crítico se asocia a fracaso renal agudo y mal pronóstico.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients upon admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and its prognostic implications. DESIGN: A single-center, prospective observational study was carried out from January to November 2015. Patients were followed-up on until death or hospital discharge. SETTING: The department of Critical Care Medicine of a university hospital. PATIENTS: All adults admitted to the ICU during the study period, without known factors capable of altering serum 25(OH)D concentration. INTERVENTIONS: Determination of serum 25(OH)D levels within the first 24h following admission to the ICU. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Prevalence and mortality at 28 days. RESULTS: The study included 135 patients, of which 74% presented deficient serum 25(OH)D levels upon admission to the ICU. Non-survivors showed significantly lower levels than survivors (8.14ng/ml [6.17-11.53] vs. 12ng/ml [7.1-20.30]; P=.04], and the serum 25(OH)D levels were independently associated to mortality (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.05-7.86; P=.04]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.61 (95% CI 0.51-0.75), and the best cut-off point for predicting mortality was 10.9ng/ml. Patients with serum 25(OH)D<10.9ng/ml also showed higher acute kidney injury rates (13 vs. 29%; P=.02). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent upon admission to the ICU. Severe Vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D<10.9ng/ml) upon admission to the ICU is associated to acute kidney injury and mortality.

The rs3857059 variant of the SNCA gene is associated with Parkinson's disease in Mexican Mestizos.

Among the candidate genes for Parkinson's disease (PD), SNCA has replicated association in different populations. Besides other known mutations in the SNCA gene, the rs3857059 variant has also been linked to various neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to search for association of this variant and sporadic PD in Mexican Mestizo patients. A case-control study was performed including 241 individuals, 106 patients, and 135 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. The rs3857059 variant demonstrated an association with PD in Mexican Mestizos (OR = 2.40, CI, 1.1 to 5.1, p = 0.02) under the recessive model. In addition, a gender effect was found for the GG genotype in females (OR = 1.31, CI, 1.01 to 1.7, p = 0.037). This is the first study to confirm an association of the rs3857059 variant with PD and also to show a gender effect. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the link between rs3857059 and susceptibility to PD observed in the Mexican Mestizo population.

The rs3857059 variant of the SNCA gene is associated with Parkinson's disease in Mexican Mestizos / A variante rs3857059 do gene SNCA é associada à doença de Parkinson em mestiços mexicanos

ABSTRACT Among the candidate genes for Parkinson’s disease (PD), SNCA has replicated association in different populations. Besides other known mutations in the SNCA gene, the rs3857059 variant has also been linked to various neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to search for association of this variant and sporadic PD in Mexican Mestizo patients. A case-control study was performed including 241 individuals, 106 patients, and 135 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. The rs3857059 variant demonstrated an association with PD in Mexican Mestizos (OR = 2.40, CI, 1.1 to 5.1, p = 0.02) under the recessive model. In addition, a gender effect was found for the GG genotype in females (OR = 1.31, CI, 1.01 to 1.7, p = 0.037). This is the first study to confirm an association of the rs3857059 variant with PD and also to show a gender effect. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the link between rs3857059 and susceptibility to PD observed in the Mexican Mestizo population.

RESUMO Entre genes candidatos para a doença de Parkinson (PD), SNCA foi replicado em diferentes populações. Além de outras mutações conhecidas no gene SNCA, a variante rs3857059 também tem sido associada a várias doenças neurodegenerativas. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi o de procurar variante de associação e PD esporádica em pacientes mestiços mexicanos. Um estudo de caso-controle foi executado, incluindo 241 indivíduos, 106 pacientes e 135 controles saudáveis. A genotipagem foi realizada utilizando PCR em tempo real. A variante rs3857059 se mostrou associada a PD em mexicano-mestiços (OR = 2,40, IC 1,1-5,1, p = 0,02) sob o modelo recessivo. Além disso, um efeito de gênero foi encontrado para o genótipo GG no sexo feminino (OR = 1,31, CI, 1,01-1,7, p = 0,037). Este é o primeiro estudo que confirma associação da variante rs3857059 para a PD e também um efeito de gênero. Nossos dados contribuem para elucidar suscetibilidade à PD observada na população mexicana-mestiça.

Papel de la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda / The role of high flow oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure

La insuficiencia respiratoria aguda supone una de las causas más frecuentes de ingreso en los servicios de Medicina Intensiva y la oxigenoterapia sigue constituyendo una terapéutica de primera línea en el manejo de estos pacientes. En los últimos años, la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo ha sido descrita como una alternativa útil a la oxigenoterapia convencional en los pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda. La oxigenoterapia de alto flujo permite administrar un flujo de gas totalmente acondicionado hasta a 60 L/min mediante cánulas nasales, obteniendo una rápida mejoría de los síntomas debido a diferentes mecanismos como, por ejemplo, una reducción de la resistencia de la vía aérea superior, cambios en el volumen circulante y la generación de cierto grado de presión positiva. Además, todo ello se consigue junto con una mejor tolerancia y comodidad por parte del paciente. Sin embargo, la experiencia en adultos es todavía limitada y no existen guías clínicas que establezcan recomendaciones para su uso. En este artículo se pretende revisar la evidencia existente sobre el uso de oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en pacientes adultos con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, así como sus posibles aplicaciones, ventajas y limitaciones (AU)

Acute respiratory failure represents one of the most common causes of intensive care unit admission and oxygen therapy remains the first-line therapy in the management of these patients. In recent years, high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula has been described as a useful alternative to conventional oxygen therapy in patients with acute respiratory failure. High-flow oxygen via nasal cannula rapidly alleviates symptoms of acute respiratory failure and improves oxygenation by several mechanisms, including dead space washout, reduction in oxygen dilution and inspiratory nasopharyngeal resistance, a moderate positive airway pressure effect that may generate alveolar recruitment and an overall greater tolerance and comfort with the interface and the heated and humidified inspired gases. However, the experience in adults is still limited and there are no clinical guidelines to establish recommendations for their use. This article aims to review the existing evidence on the use of high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula in adults with acute respiratory failure and its possible applications, advantages and limitations (AU)

The role of high flow oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure.

Acute respiratory failure represents one of the most common causes of intensive care unit admission and oxygen therapy remains the first-line therapy in the management of these patients. In recent years, high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula has been described as a useful alternative to conventional oxygen therapy in patients with acute respiratory failure. High-flow oxygen via nasal cannula rapidly alleviates symptoms of acute respiratory failure and improves oxygenation by several mechanisms, including dead space washout, reduction in oxygen dilution and inspiratory nasopharyngeal resistance, a moderate positive airway pressure effect that may generate alveolar recruitment and an overall greater tolerance and comfort with the interface and the heated and humidified inspired gases. However, the experience in adults is still limited and there are no clinical guidelines to establish recommendations for their use. This article aims to review the existing evidence on the use of high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula in adults with acute respiratory failure and its possible applications, advantages and limitations.

El Pennhip modificado y la sinfisiodesis juvenil pubiana como prevención de displasia de cadera canina en las Fuerzas Armadas / Modified Pennhip and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis as canine hip dysplasia prevention in the Armed Forces

INTRODUCCIÓN: La displasia de cadera canina es la principal causa física de exclusión de los perros de los programas de adiestramiento en las Fuerzas Armadas y los Cuerpos y Fuerzas de Seguridad del Estado, es por ello importante realizar una criba temprana de esta patología. OBJETIVO: Determinar la eficacia del procedimiento del Penn-Hip modificado y la sinfisiodesis juvenil pubiana como método para prevenir el desarrollo de la displasia de cadera canina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo y ambispectivo que compara el porcentaje de displasia de cadera canina en una cohorte prospectiva, tras la realización de un programa de screening y cirugía profiláctica, con los resultados de una cohorte histórica. RESULTADOS: El porcentaje de displasia de cadera canina fue el doble en la cohorte histórica comparándola con la cohorte prospectiva tras la implantación del programa, siendo las diferencias estadísticamente significativas (OR: 2,20; IC 95%: 1,03-4,67). CONCLUSIONES: Es necesaria la instauración de programas de screening y profilaxis de displasia de cadera canina, en el ámbito militar al mejorar la producción de perros aptos para el trabajo en las Fuerzas Armadas y en los Cuerpos y Fuerzas de Seguridad del Estado

INTRODUCTION: Canine hip dysplasia is the main clinic cause of exclusion of dogs from training programs in the Armed Forces and Police Corps so it is important to make an early selection of this pathology. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficiency of the modified Penn-Hip method and the juvenile pubic symphysiodesis as a way of preventing canine hip dysplasia development. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ambispective descriptive study which compares the percentage of canine hip dysplasia between a historical cohort and a prospective cohort after the instauration of a screening and surgical prophylactic program. RESULTS: The percentage of canine hip dysplasia from the historical cohort doubled the one from the prospective cohort after carrying out the program, obtaining statistically significance differences (OR: 2,20; IC 95%: 1,03-4,67). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a screening and prophylactic program of canine hip dysplasia is needed to improve work-suited canine production in the Armed Forces and Police Corps

Efficacy of Change to New P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists in Patients High on Treatment Platelet Reactivity Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Selective intensification of platelet inhibition may improve high on treatment platelet reactivity (HPR). We evaluated the efficacy of dual-antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel (CPG), compared to new P2Y12-receptor antagonists in patients with HPR undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, regarding the outcome of composite major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, including death, acute coronary syndrome [ACS], and stent restenosis). The presence of HPR (71 of 181 patients) almost doubled the risk of MACEs. The new antiplatelet agent reduced MACEs (45.8%, 26%, and 16.7% for CPG, prasugrel, and ticagrelor [TGL]; RR 0.36; 0.13-0.98, P = .03, TGL), specifically in patients with ACS. Failure to reduce HPR after the antiplatelet change and diabetes were independent predictors for MACEs. The HPR was early and effectively reduced after changing the antiplatelet therapy, but the intensity of this reduction did not significantly decrease the risk of MACEs. These findings support the benefit of HPR-guided intensification of platelet inhibition. Whether the intensity of this reduction improves the patient's clinical outcomes deserves further investigation.

Inflamación de la región metacarpiana distal de un caballo / No disponible

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¿Cuál es su diagnóstico? / No disponible

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Legislacion sobre animales de experimentación: cambios recientes y posible futuro / No disponible

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Malformación congénita: anencefalia a propósito de un caso / Congenital malformation: anencefalia a purpose of a case

La Anencefalia es uno de los defectos congénitos del sistema nervioso central, dado por la ausencia de huesos craneales y tejido encefálico. Este tubo neutral suele cerrarse alrededor de 28 días después de iniciarse el período de crecimiento. El origen de este tipo de malformación es multifactorial asociado principalmente a las deficiencias de folatos por parte de la gestante, igualmente se presume que la exposición a sustancias tóxicas y el consumo de drogas de abuso también se asocian a este tipo de alteración teratogénica. Se presentan en 1-2 de cada 1000 nacidos vivos. El diagnóstico es principalmente dado por estudio ecográfico a partir de la semana 14 de gestación, también se emplea la titulación de alfafetoproteínas y el estudio de líquido anmiótico. Lamentablemente la Anencefalia no tiene tratamiento ya que de sobrevivir al parto el producto vivirá menos de 12 horas. Es preciso que durante el control de la gestación el médico indique la ingesta de ácido fólico y multivitaminicos principalmente B12. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 27 años de edad, II gestas I para 0 abortos, quien consulta por presentar hallazgo ecográfico que evidencia alteración del cráneo, con una edad gestacional de 24 semanas, por eco, con un embarazo no controlado, refiere antecedente de consumo de drogas por parte de la pareja; igualmente niega ingesta de folatos, hierro o complejo B durante la gestación, refiere trabajar en una empresa productora de alimentos derivados de la papa. Razón por la cual acude a este centro donde se valora y se ingresa para discutir caso; se ingresa con el diagnóstico de embarazo de 25 semanas + 1 día por eco traspolado y ARO por malformación fetal: Anencefalia, no evidenciando alteración al examen físico obstétrico. En sala de hospitalización se realiza eco obstétrico que evidencia malformación fetal anencefalia y se decide trasladar a sala de parto para interrupción del embarazo, se induce trabajo de parto.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising in a gouty tophus at the second metacarpophalangeal joint.

We report a case of concomitant malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) and tophaceous deposit at the second metacarpophalangeal joint in a 76-year-old man. The patient underwent surgical treatment, local radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy and was disease free at the time of his last examination. We use this case to highlight the features of this clinical entity, which has never previously been described in the surgical literature.

Reconstruction of a pulp defect using a free finger-pulp flap from a non-replantable digit.

We report a case of finger-pulp reconstruction after traumatic multidigital amputation injury. A freefinger-pulp flap was raised from a non-replantable amputated digit and successfully transferred to provide a satisfactory well-padded sensate fingertip with an excellent cosmetic appearance.