[Is it possible to extract intracranial pressure information based on the EEG activity?] / Es posible obtener informacion de la presion intracraneal a partir de la actividad electroencefalografica?

INTRODUCTION: The capability of the electroencephalography (EEG) of recording the bioelectrical activity of the brain has made of it a fundamental tool for the evaluation of the patient's neurological condition. In recent years, moreover, it has also begun to be used in obtaining information for other kind of variables, as the ones related with the cerebral hemodynamics. AIM: To study the potential relationship between the EEG activity and the intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage, during their stay at the intensive care unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one adult patients (10 women) were included in the present observational prospective cohort study. They suffered from either traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid hemorrhage, requiring continuous EEG and ICP monitoring. In every patient, Granger causality between spectral functions of the EEG and the ICP was evaluated. Temporal windows of 10 minute were used to evaluate whether a causal relationship between those variables exist or not. In all of the cases, several days of continuous recording and assessment were performed. RESULTS: In most patients and during most of the time, Granger causality turns out to be significant in the direction from the EEG to the ICP, meaning that the EEG dynamics actually leads the ICP dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: The present work provides useful information and shed light in discovering a hidden relationship between the ICP and EEG dynamics. The potential use of this relationship could lead to develop a medical device to measure ICP in a non-invasive fashion.

TITLE: Es posible obtener informacion de la presion intracraneal a partir de la actividad electroencefalografica?Introduccion. El electroencefalograma (EEG) permite obtener informacion directa de la actividad bioelectrica del cerebro y es una herramienta fundamental para la evaluacion de la condicion neurologica del paciente. En los ultimos años ha comenzado a emplearse tambien para obtener indirectamente informacion sobre la hemodinamica cerebral y las variables que intervienen en la autorregulacion del flujo sanguineo cerebral. Objetivo. Estudiar la posible relacion entre la actividad electroencefalografica y la presion intracraneal (PIC) en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefalico y hemorragia subaracnoidea ingresados en cuidados intensivos. Pacientes y metodos. Se incluyo a 21 pacientes (10 mujeres) mayores de 18 años con traumatismo craneoencefalico o hemorragia subaracnoidea que requerian monitorizacion de la PIC y a los que se les registro el EEG de forma continua. Se determino la causalidad de Granger entre la PIC con respecto a las variables espectrales del EEG para ventanas temporales de 10 minutos durante la estancia en cuidados intensivos. Resultados. La causalidad de Granger mostro una alta correlacion entre la PIC con las bandas del EEG. En la mayoria de los pacientes existe una causalidad de Granger significativa en la direccion del EEG hacia la PIC en gran parte del tiempo de monitorizacion, de forma que las variables del EEG precedian a la PIC. Conclusiones. El presente trabajo expone la relacion temporal subyacente entre la dinamica de la PIC y la actividad bioelectrica cerebral registrada mediante EEG en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefalico y hemorragia subaracnoidea. El potencial uso de esta relacion podria permitir estimar la PIC de manera no invasiva.

Nefrolitotomía percutánea bilateral simultánea: Eficacia y seguridad" / Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Effectiveness and safety

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de la nefrolitotomía percutánea bilateral simultánea realizada en pacientes afectados de litiasis renales bilaterales. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, período de septiembre de 2012 a noviembre de 2016. Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados de litiasis renales bilaterales por TC abdominal. Técnica quirúrgica posición en prono, punción renal guiada por fluoroscopia y dilatación del tracto hasta 24Ch. Se revisaron las características demográficas y de las litiasis, la tasa libre de litiasis, el éxito clínico, las complicaciones y el seguimiento. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio, se realizaron 732 nefrolitotomías percutáneas. Dieciocho pacientes (36 unidades renales; 2,5%), 13 hombres y 5 mujeres con una mediana de edad de 58 años y un rango intercuartílico (RIC) de 40-66. Tamaño de la litiasis mediana de 228 mm2 (RIC 134-389), tiempo operativo mediana de 150 min (RIC 97-180) y una estancia hospitalaria mediana de 5 días (RIC 5-15). La tasa libre de litiasis fue del 80%. Se reportaron litiasis residuales en 8 unidades renales (22,2%) que requirieron técnicas complementarias para su completa resolución, 4 litotricias extracorpóreas por ondas de choque, una ureterolitotomía por laparotomía, 2 ureteroscopias y un segundo procedimiento. Complicaciones mayores incluyeron 4 hemorragias manejadas mediante embolización por angiografía. Mediana de seguimiento 36 meses (rango 26-46). Conclusiones: La nefrolitotomía percutánea bilateral simultánea es un procedimiento eficaz y seguro en pacientes afectados con cálculos renales bilaterales. Es un desafío quirúrgico que debe realizarse en pacientes seleccionados y en centros con experiencia

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed in patients affected with bilateral renal calculi. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study from September 2012 to November 2016. Patients diagnosed of bilateral kidney stones with abdominal CT scan were included. Surgical technique prone position, renal puncture guided by fluoroscopy and tract dilation up to 24Ch. We reviewed demographic and stone characteristics, stone free rate, clinical success, complications and follow-up. Results: During the study period, 732 percutaneous nephrolithotomies were performed. Eighteen patients were included (36 renal units, 2.5%), 13 men and 5 women, with a median age of 58 years and an interquartile range (IQR) of 40-66. Median stone burden was 22 8mm2 (IQR 134-389); median operative time, 150 minutes (IQR 97-180); and median hospital stay, 5 days (IQR 5-15). Stone free rate was 80%. Residual calculi were encountered in 8 renal units (22.2%) and required other complementary techniques for their complete tesolution 4 external shockwave lithotripsies, one open ureterolithotomy, 2 ureteroscopies and one second look. Major complications included 4 cases of severe hemorrhage managed with angiographic embolization. The median follow-up was 36 months (range 26-46). Conclusions: Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an effective and safe procedure in patients affected with bilateral renal calculi. It is a surgical challenge that should be performed in selected patients and in centers with experience

Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Effectiveness and safety. / Nefrolitotomía percutánea bilateral simultánea: Eficacia y seguridad".

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed in patients affected with bilateral renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study from September 2012 to November 2016. Patients diagnosed of bilateral kidney stones with abdominal CT scan were included. Surgical technique prone position, renal puncture guided by fluoroscopy and tract dilation up to 24Ch. We reviewed demographic and stone characteristics, stone free rate, clinical success, complications and follow-up. RESULTS: During the study period, 732 percutaneous nephrolithotomies were performed. Eighteen patients were included (36 renal units, 2.5%), 13 men and 5 women, with a median age of 58 years and an interquartile range (IQR) of 40-66. Median stone burden was 228mm2 (IQR 134-389); median operative time, 150minutes (IQR 97-180); and median hospital stay, 5 days (IQR 5-15). Stone free rate was 80%. Residual calculi were encountered in 8 renal units (22.2%) and required other complementary techniques for their complete tesolution 4 external shockwave lithotripsies, one open ureterolithotomy, 2 ureteroscopies and one second look. Major complications included 4 cases of severe hemorrhage managed with angiographic embolization. The median follow-up was 36 months (range 26-46). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an effective and safe procedure in patients affected with bilateral renal calculi. It is a surgical challenge that should be performed in selected patients and in centers with experience.

Complicaciones de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en decúbito prono de acuerdo a la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo modificada / Complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position according with modified Clavien-Dindo grading system

Introducción: La clasificación de Clavien ha sido propuesta como sistema para determinar el grado de complicaciones perioperatorias en la nefrolitotomía percutánea. Comunicamos las complicaciones acaecidas en los últimos 2 años en la realización de esta técnica utilizando la clasificación estratificada de Clavien-Dindo. Materiales y métodos: Entre 2011 y 2012 se han realizado 255 nefrolitotomías percutáneas en nuestro centro por litiasis renal superior a 2 cm. A partir de los datos obtenidos se lleva a cabo un análisis estadístico para determinar la incidencia de complicaciones según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo modificada. Resultados: Durante el período analizado se realizaron 255 nefrolitotomías percutáneas en 249 pacientes, 41% del lado derecho, 57% del lado izquierdo y 2% bilateral simultáneo, de ellos 137 fueron hombres y 112 mujeres. Entre las comorbilidades más prevalentes encontramos la HTA en 101 pacientes (40,6%), IMC > 30 en 81 pacientes (32%), diabetes mellitus 46 pacientes (18,5%) y alteraciones de la coagulación en 24 pacientes (9,6%). Encontramos 70 casos (27,4%) de complicaciones que se distribuyen según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo en: grado i 8,4%, grado ii 8,4%, grado iiia 4,4%, grado iiib 6% y grado iva: 0,8%, grado ivb: 0% y grado v 0%. Conclusiones: Un esquema de clasificación graduada para informar las complicaciones de la nefrolitotomía percutánea es útil para el seguimiento y notificación de los resultados. Consideramos de gran utilidad estandarizar su uso para poder hacer comparables los resultados entre los distintos centros que realizan dicha técnica

Introduction:Clavien-Dindo classification system has been proposed to grade perioperative complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The complications of this technique that have taken place in the last 2 years are reported in this paper according Clavien-Dindo classification. Materials and methods: Between 2011 and 2012 a total of 255 percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed at our center for stones more than 2 cm in size. In order to determine the incidence of complications classified in the modified Clavien-Dindo system, statistical analysis of the data obtained was carried out. Results: During the period analyzed, 255 percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed in 249 patients, 41% of the right side, 57% of the left side and 2% bilateral and simultaneous. 137 and 112 patients were males and females, respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities were: hypertension (AHT) in 101 patients (40.6%), BMI > 30 in 81 patients (32%), diabetes mellitus in 46 patients (18.5%) and coagulation abnormalities in 24 patients (9.6%). A total of 70 cases (27.4%) were distributed according to Clavien-Dindo classification: grade i, 8.4%, grade ii 8.4%, grade iiia 4.4%, grade iiib 6% grade iva .8%, grade ivb: 0% and grade v 0%. Conclusions: A graded classification scheme for reporting the complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy is useful for monitoring and reporting outcomes. We propose a standardized use of this classification in order to make the results comparable among different centers performing the technique

Complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position according with modified Clavien-Dindo grading system.

INTRODUCTION: Clavien-Dindo classification system has been proposed to grade perioperative complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The complications of this technique that have taken place in the last 2 years are reported in this paper according Clavien-Dindo classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2012 a total of 255 percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed at our center for stones more than 2 cm in size. In order to determine the incidence of complications classified in the modified Clavien-Dindo system, statistical analysis of the data obtained was carried out. RESULTS: During the period analyzed, 255 percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed in 249 patients, 41% of the right side, 57% of the left side and 2% bilateral and simultaneous. 137 and 112 patients were males and females, respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities were: hypertension (AHT) in 101 patients (40.6%), BMI>30 in 81 patients (32%), diabetes mellitus in 46 patients (18.5%) and coagulation abnormalities in 24 patients (9.6%). A total of 70 cases (27.4%) were distributed according to Clavien-Dindo classification: grade i, 8.4%, grade ii 8.4%, grade iiia 4.4%, grade iiib 6% grade iva .8%, grade ivb: 0% and grade v 0%. CONCLUSIONS: A graded classification scheme for reporting the complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy is useful for monitoring and reporting outcomes. We propose a standardized use of this classification in order to make the results comparable among different centers performing the technique.

Early vs conventional extubation after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Sedation and ventilation overnight after cardiac surgery is common practice. However, early extubation may be feasible with no increase in postoperative complications. This study examines (1) if early extubation is possible in a significant number of patients, (2) if it reduces ICU stay, and (3) if this practice increases postoperative complications. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomized 404 consecutive patients to early extubation (7 to 11 h postoperatively) (group A, 201 patients) or conventional extubation (between 8 and 12 AM the following day) (group B, 203 patients). Variables included type and severity of the disease, surgical risk, type of operation, operative incidences, postoperative complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, intubation and ICU stay, bleeding, reoperation, vasoactive drugs, and mortality. RESULTS: Groups were comparable. Extubation within the preestablished time was successful in 60.2% of patients in group A and 74.4% in group B. Median ICU stay was 27 h in group A and 44 h in group B (p=0.008). Discharge from ICU within the first 24 h postoperatively was 44.3% in group A and 30.5% in group B (p=0.006). There was no significant difference in complications between groups. Successfully extubated patients in group A had more reintubation and prolonged ventilation than in group B. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Sixty percent of our patients were extubated within 11 h of operation. (2) As a result, the length of stay in ICU was reduced and the percentage of patients discharged within 24 h was increased. (3) There was no increase in clinically important postoperative complications.

[Renal angiomyolipoma located intrasinusally. An anomalous location which poses diagnostic problems]. / Angiomiolipoma renal de localización intrasinusal. Una localización anómala que plantea problemas diagnósticos.

Presentation of one case of intrasinusale located renal angiomyolipoma. Given the location, the ECO as well as the IVU, arteriography and CAT presented diagnostic doubts. We believe this unusual presentation should be added to those circumstances where uncertainty of tumor diagnosis due to size, behaviour or clinical signs and symptoms, elicits a more aggressive attitude.

[Ambulatory treatment without anesthesia of urinary lithiasis by extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: 7,000 cases]. / Tratamiento ambulatorio sin anestesia de la litiasis urinaria mediante litotricia extracórporea por ondas de choque: 7.000 casos.

Exposition of results and complications in 7,162 consecutive sessions with Shockwave Extracorporeal Lithotripsy (SWEL) applied to 3,950 lithiasis located at all levels of the urinary tract. These procedures have been performed without sedation or anaesthesia. Diuresis was not forced during or after treatment with serotherapy, mannitol, or diuretics. Treatment was conducted in an outpatients clinic in all cases. The treatment/lithiasis ratio in this initial series was 1.7. Following therapy, 7.09% of patients treated attended the emergency unit due to colic pain/fever. 3.60% of patients treated required hospitalization due to major complications: subcapsular-retroperitoneal haematoma, 9 cases; ureteral obstruction, 120 cases; septicemia, 22 cases; renal function annulment, 11 cases and death, 2 cases.

[Renal mass as the initial manifestation of a metastasized oat-cell]. / Masa renal como primera manifestación de un oat-cell metastatizado.

Renal metastasis of localized tumours in the economy are rare. In our series of 162 renal tumours only 3 were metastatic. Even more unusual is that the metastasis should be the presenting form. Such is the case we are reporting: a 59 year-old male complaining from back pain and toxic syndrome. Supplementary examinations were performed sequentially until arriving at an open biopsy which confirmed the oat cell histology. The paper explains the results from the various examinations. The ominous prognosis of this histology is illustrated.

[Hormonal treatment of cancer of the prostate]. / Tratamiento hormonal del cáncer de próstata.

We set forth the results obtained after application of a hormonal protocol in prostate carcinoma (P.C.) on 257 patients controlled between June 1976 and June 1987, of whom we have selected 160 who fulfilled the following requirements: under 80 years old, confirmed anatomopathological diagnosis, state equal to or above the T1 of the Union International contre le Cancer (U.I.C.C.) classification, tolerance of treatment applied, clinical, analytical and complete, systematic iconographic follow up and minimum survival of more than one year. We treated those patients with localised P.C. (they have no demonstrable metastases), who in our series numbered 78 (78/160), with Diethylethylbestrol (D.E.S.) at an orally administered dose of 1 mgr. a day. In these the plasma testosterone dropped below 100 nanograms/l. in 57 cases (57/79). In this case metastases appeared in 22 cases (22/78). We treated those patients with metastatized P.C., who in our series numbered 59 (59/160), with orally administered Estramustine Phosphate (Estracyt) at a dose of 560 mgr. every 24 h. in two goes. In these the plasma testosterone dropped below 100 nanograms/l. in 50 cases (50/59). In this group the metastases disappeared in 7 patients, became stabilized in 30 and worsened in the other 22 patients. We carried out surgical orchiectomy on 49 patients (49/160): in 17 cases due to associate vascular pathology, in 13 cases for sociocultural reasons, in 5 cases because of advanced age and in 14 cases it was conducted on patients with a poor response to D.E.S.

Salivary testosterone in prostatic carcinoma.

Testosterone concentrations in saliva were measured in 13 patients with prostatic carcinoma after surgical or medical (diethylstilboestrol or Estracyt) orchiectomy. The salivary testosterone values in these patients were significantly lower than in normal males but not significantly different from those in normal females. The salivary testosterone concentrations were measured for 6 consecutive months and did not vary significantly from month to month. The results suggest that the measurement of salivary testosterone concentrations could be useful in evaluating the androgenic function of patients with prostatic carcinoma after medical or surgical orchiectomy.

Hyperkalemic cardiac arrest, prolonged heart massage and simultaneous hemodialysis.

A 53 year old diabetic patient underwent CABG and aortic valve replacement in another institution and developed postoperative oliguric and hyperkalemic acute renal failure. Shortly after transferring to our unit a cardiac arrest occurred. Immediate resuscitative measures were ineffective. The serum potassium level was 10.2 mmol/l. Conventional arteriovenous hemodialysis was initiated while the patient was still undergoing cardiac massage. When the serum potassium level was lowered to 6.5 mmol/l, 90 min later, the heart began to beat. After hemodialysis was discontinued the patient was reactive and fully conscious. The use of simultaneous hemodialysis with prolonged mechanical heart massage as a reliable method for recovery in hyperkalemic cardiac standstill is stressed.

Prognostic assessment of the acute complications of bone marrow transplantation requiring intensive therapy.

Patients with bone marrow transplant may present with acute, life-threatening complications which frequently (40% of our cases) require intensive care unit treatment and result in an increased mortality (76% in this series). In an attempt to reach a more objective prognostic assessment, we have analyzed those factors related to the worst outcome in the 25 patients with bone marrow transplant admitted into our intensive care unit. Respiratory failure was the most frequent complication (72%), with an 83% mortality. Graft-versus-host disease and neutropenia led to a greater number of infectious complications with a poor outcome. Failure of more than three organ systems, septic shock and mechanical ventilation were statistically associated with mortality (p less than 0.05), and all patients who required mechanical ventilation for more than seven days or needed intensive therapy for more than 10 days died. The presence of septic shock, multisystem failure and severe neutropenia on admission should be considered as initial indicators of a poor prognosis. More than 7 days of mechanical ventilation and an intensive care unit stay of more than 10 days could be critical points in the reassessment of the intensity and prolongation of treatment.