Time to surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: How long does it take? A multicenter study.

Study design: Retrospective review of multicentric data. Objectives: To estimate the time from initial visit to surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and the main reasons for the time to surgery in a multicenter study. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 509 patients with AIS from 16 hospitals across six Latin American countries. From each hospital's deformity registry, the following patient data were extracted: demographics, main curve Cobb angle, Lenke Classification at the initial visit and time of surgery, time from indication-for-surgery to surgery, curve progression, Risser skeletal-maturity score and causes for surgical cancelation or delay. Surgeons were asked if they needed to change the original surgical plan due to curve progression. Data also were collected on each hospital's waiting list numbers and mean delay to AIS surgery. Results: 66.8% of the patients waited over six months and 33.9% over a year. Waiting time was not impacted by the patient's age when surgery first became indicated (p = 0.22) but waiting time did differ between countries (p < 0.001) and hospitals (p < 0.001). Longer time to surgery was significantly associated with increasing magnitude of the Cobb angle through the second year of waiting (p < 0.001). Reported causes for delay were hospital-related (48.4%), economic (47.3%), and logistic (4.2%). Oddly, waiting time for surgery did not correlate with the hospital's reported waiting-list lengths (p = 0.57). Conclusion: Prolonged waits for AIS surgery are common in Latin America, with rare exceptions. At most centers, patients wait over six months, most commonly for economic and hospital-related reasons. Whether this directly impacts surgical outcomes in Latin America still must be studied.

Partial Sacrectomy for Resection of a Sacral Chordoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Sacral chordomas are infrequent tumors that arise from remnants of the notochord. They are most often found in the sacrum and skull-base.1,2 These lesions rarely metastasize and usually have an indolent and oligosymptomatic clinical course. Chordomas show low sensitivity to standard radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Operative resection with wide resection margins offers the best long-term prognosis, including longer survival and local control.1,3 However, achieving a complete resection with oncological margins may be difficult because of the anatomic complexity of the sacrococcygeal region.4 The main complications of sacral resection include infections, wound closure defects, and anorectal and urogenital dysfunction. The rate of these complications is significantly increased when the tumor involves the S2 level or above. We report the case of a 64-yr-old male who presented with progressive sacrococcygeal pain and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. A heterogeneous, osteolytic lesion was found at the sacrococcygeal region. Full body imaging tests were negative for other lesions. A computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy was made. We usually use the midline approach in case we have to include the needle path in the resection. The pathology confirmed a sacrococcygeal, low-grade chordoma. We decided to perform an en bloc resection. A posterior, partial sacrectomy was planned distal to the S4 level.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva en el tratamiento de fracturas tóracolumbares / Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

Objetivo: Analizar y describir una serie de fracturas tóraco-lumbares traumáticas tratadas con cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Material y métodos: Analizamos una serie de 26 pacientes con fracturas traumáticas tóraco-lumbosacras entre 2010-2017. Las imágenes pre-operatorias fueron clasificadas usando la clasificación AO. Analizamos en forma pre y post operatoria: escala visual analógica, volumen de pérdida sanguínea, duración de la hospitalización, complicaciones, cirugías asociadas en otros órganos, extracción de implantes en el largo plazo, estado neurológico pre y post quirúrgico y mortalidad.Los pacientes con historias clínicas completas, TAC pre-operatoria y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses fueron incluidos (18 hombres y 8 mujeres). La edad promedio fue de 28.7 años (21-84 años); seguimiento promedio de 28 meses (13-86 meses). Dieciocho pacientes fueron manejados con instrumentaciones percutáneas, 8 recibieron vertebroplastias, y en 5 casos se realizó además algún gesto de artrodesis. Resultados: La EVA mejoró 7 puntos promedio respecto al pre-operatorio; el promedio de sangrado fue de 40 mL, no observamos ningún caso de empeoramiento neurológico. La duración promedio de la hospitalización fue de 3.9 días. Cuatro enfermos necesitaron alguna cirugía en otro órgano producto de sus politraumatismos.Los tornillos percutáneos fueron removidos en 9 casos luego de la consolidación. Como complicaciones tuvimos: 1 hematoma retroperitoneal autolimitado, una fractura pedicular y una cánula de cementación rota adentro de un pedículo. Conclusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva en trauma espinal es una alternativa válida que permite estabilización, movilización precoz y logra buenos resultados en términos de control del dolor con baja tasa de complicaciones

Objective: To analyze and describe a series of trauma-related thoraco-lumbo-sacral vertebral fractures managed with minimally invasive surgery. Methods: We retrospectively review the charts and images of 26 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures between 2010-2017. Pre-op images were assessed and fractures were classified according to the thoraco-lumbar trauma AO Spine classification. We analyzed pre and post-surgical visual analog scale (VAS), blood loss during surgery, hospital length of stay, complications, associated surgical procedures, long term post-op implant removal, pre and post neurological status and mortality.Patients with a complete case record, pre-op CT scans and minimum 12-month follow up were included (18 males and 8 females). Mean age was 28.7 years (21-84 years); mean post-op follow up was 28 month (13-86 months). Eighteen patients were managed with percutaneous instrumentation, 8 patients also received percutaneous vertebroplasty, and 5 patients underwent also some arthrodesis procedure. Results: VAS improved 7 points as compared to the pre-op score; mean blood loss was 40 mL, we did not observed any neurological deficit worsening. Mean hospital length of stay was 3.9 days. Four patients needed surgical procedures involving other organs due to politrauma. Percutaneous screws were removed in 9 cases after fracture consolidation. Complications were: one case of self-limiting retroperitoneal hematoma, one case of pedicle screw fracture and one cement broken cannula into the pedicle. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery in spine trauma is a valid option allowing stabilization, early mobilization, and leading to good outcomes in terms of pain control and a lower complication rate

Anatomía de las osteotomías dorsolumbares en fotografías en 3D / Anatomy of thoracolumbar osteotomies in 3D photographs

Introducción y objetivo: Existe evidencia contundente que demuestra la relación entre el balance sagital y la calidad de vida de los pacientes adultos con deformidad espinal, de manera que la corrección y realineación en ese plano se ha transformado en un objetivo primario en el tratamiento quirúrgico de dichas afecciones. Las osteotomías dorsolumbares permiten liberar el raquis para realizar dicha realineación sin el uso de fuerza indebida. Sin embargo, son técnicas complejas y con alta tasa de complicaciones intra y post operatorias. Teniendo en cuenta que el conocimiento anatómico de dichos procedimientos es clave, el objetivo de esta revisión consiste en realizar una descripción de las osteotomías dorsolumbares mediante el uso de fotografías en 3D de un preparado cadavérico de raquis lumbar. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizó un preparado cadavérico formolizado de raquis lumbar. Se realizaron las osteotomías espinales lumbares según la clasificación de Schwab et al., en los segmentos L3 y L4. Se tomaron imágenes fotográficas en 3 dimensiones utilizando equipo Nikon D90, con lente 50 mm Af 1.8G, flash Nikon SB700, y una barra regulable para fotografía 3D. Las imágenes fotográficas obtenidas fueron procesadas con los siguientes softwares con técnica anaglífica: Anaglyph Maker versión 1.08 y StereoPhoto Maker versión 4.54. Resultados: Se realiza una descripción de las osteotomías según la clasificación en 6 grados anatómicos de Schwab y colaboradores. Conclusión: La utilización de la técnica fotográfica 3D permitió demostrar el tipo y magnitud de resección ósea necesaria en cada grado de osteotomía.

Introduction and objective: There is strong evidence that shows the relationship between the sagittal balance and the quality of life of adult patients with spinal deformity. According to that, the correction and realignment of the sagittal plane has become a primary objective in the surgical treatment of these conditions. The dorsolumbar osteotomies allow the spine to be released, in order to perform that realignment without the use of undue force. However, they are complex techniques, with a high rate of intra and post-operative complications. Taking into account that the anatomical knowledge of these procedures is fundamental, the objective of this review was to describe the dorsolumbar osteotomies using 3D photographs of a cadaveric preparation of the lumbar spine. Materials and methods: A cadaveric formolized lumbar spine preparation was used. Lumbar spinal osteotomies were performed according to the classification of Schwab et al. Three-dimensional photographic images were taken using Nikon D90 equipment, with a 50mm AF 1.8G lens, Nikon SB700 flash, and an adjustable bar for 3D photography. The photographic images obtained were processed with the following software with anaglyphic technique: Anaglyph Maker version 1.08 and StereoPhoto Maker version 4.54. Results: A description of the osteotomies was made, according to the 6 anatomic grades classification developed by Schwab et al. Conclusion: The use of the 3D photographic technique allowed to demonstrate the type and magnitude of bone resection needed in each degree of osteotomy.

Atrofia paraespinal postoperatoria. ¿El abordaje importa? / Postoperative paraspinal atrophy. Does boarding matter?

Objetivo: Comparar la magnitud de la atrofia muscular postoperatoria que producen tres abordajes en fusiones lumbares segmentarias para patología degenerativa (línea media vs. Wiltse vs. MIS TLIF). Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico, descriptivo y retrospectivo, de una serie de pacientes operados por patología degenerativa lumbar. Analizamos 45 pacientes (24 mujeres), con una edad media de 58.7 años, operados en 5 centros quirúrgicos entre 2015 y 2018. Se realizó una fusión instrumentada de un nivel, desde L3 hasta S1 (7 casos L3-L4, 25 casos L4-L5 y 13 casos L5-S1). Quince casos fueron realizados por abordajes por línea media, 15 por abordaje de Wiltse y 15 MIS TLIF. Todos fueron estudiados con Resonancia Magnética preoperatoria y con un mínimo de 6 meses luego de la cirugía (media de 14.6 meses). Estas fueron analizadas por 3 observadores especialistas en cirugía de columna. Se tomaron 2 variables para comparar el grado de atrofia entre pre y postoperatorio: área de sección transversal (AST) de músculo multifidus (MM) y erectores espinales (EE) y grado de infiltración grasa (IG) mediante la clasificación visual de Kjaer. Los análisis realizados fueron ejecutados utilizando el programa estadístico RStudio (versión 1.1.383) y se compararon valores de p obtenidos mediante la suma de rangos de Wilcoxon. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los distintos abordajes en relación a la atrofia del MM. La comparación de p para AST de los EE mostró diferencias entre MIS TLIF vs línea media (p 0.018) y de línea media vs Wiltse (p 0.027). Conclusión: Los abordajes mínimamente invasivos utilizados para descompresión y artrodesis monosegmentaria lumbar, tuvieron más impacto sobre la atrofia muscular en los EE que en MM. Estudios randomizados y controlados serían de utilidad para validar los resultados de este trabajo.

Aim: To compare the level of post-operative muscle atrophy associated with three different approaches to achieve segmental lumbar fusion in patients with degenerative back disease: (1) the standard midline approach; (2) Wiltse's minimally-invasive surgery (MIS-W) approach; and (3) minimal-invasive surgery (MIS) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Methods and Materials: A multi-center, observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed on a series of patients who had undergone surgery for degenerative lumbar disease. All patients were studied preoperatively and for at least six months post-operatively (mean follow-up: 14.6 months) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), all images analyzed by three spine-imaging specialists. Three variables were used to compare the level of atrophy before and after surgery: (1) the cross sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle (MM); (2) the CSA of the spinal erector muscles (SEM); and (3) fat infiltration level, as rated per the Kjaer visual classification system. Inter-group differences in these three outcomes were assessed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results: Forty-five patients (24 females), of mean age 58.7 years, underwent surgery at five participating surgical centers between 2015 and 2018. One-level instrumented fusion, from L3 to S1, was performed: at the L3-L4 level in seven patients, L4-L5 in 25, and L5-S1 in 13. Surgical access was split evenly between the three approaches, each performed in 15 patients. No significant differences were detected between the approaches, in terms of MM atrophy or fat infiltration level. Less CSA-SEM atrophy was detected with the MIS-TLIF than midline (p = 0.018), and with the MIS-W than midline (p = 0.027) approach. Conclusions: Relative to the standard midline approach, two minimally-invasive surgery approaches used for decompression and lumbar mono-segmental arthrodesis reduced atrophy in the spinal erector muscles, but not the multifidus muscle. Randomized controlled trials might be useful to validate the results of this investigation.

Abordaje paraespinal de Wiltse: nota técnica y revisión de sus ventajas y limitaciones / Wiltse paraspinal approach: technical note and review of its advantages and limitations

Objetivo: Describir paso a paso el abordaje paraespinal de Wiltse y resaltar las principales ventajas y limitaciones relatadas en la literatura. Material y métodos: Se realizó una descripción del abordaje de Wiltse paso a paso y detalladamente paso a paso, haciendo hincapié en algunos trucos y limitaciones adquiridos con la práctica. Se revisó la literatura disponible con una búsqueda en PubMed y Lilacs bajo los términos Mesh: "Wiltse approach", "paraspinal approach", "muscle sparing approach", "lumbar spine", para destacar ventajas y desventajas de la técnica. Se analizaron 10 trabajos que tenían relación con el objetivo de esta publicación. Ninguno de los trabajos hallados en la búsqueda describía en detalle los pasos del abordaje paraespinal. Se describió: preparación, posicionamiento, incisión, apertura fascial, disección, identificación ósea, desperiostización, descompresión, discectomía, instrumentación, artrodesis y cierre. Resultados: La mayoría de los trabajos resaltaron la utilidad del abordaje como técnica de mínima invasión, con sangrado intraoperatorio mínimo, cortas estadías hospitalarias y bajo índice de infecciones. Conclusión: El abordaje clásico descripto por Wiltse sigue los principios de cirugía de mínima invasión, respetando los planos musculares y tejidos blandos paraespinales, permitiendo amplias descompresiones, discectomías y fusiones con bajos índices de complicaciones.

Objective: To provide a step-by-step description of the Wiltse paraspinal approach, and analyze the main advantages and limitations described in the literature. Methods: We provide a detailed step-by-step description of the Wiltse approach, focusing on some of the strategies we have learned and limitations we have seen in daily clinical practice. A literature review was conducted, consisting of Pub Med and Lilacs searches using the Mesh terms: "Wiltse approach", "paraspinal approach", "muscle sparing approach", and "lumbar spine". Ten papers related to our objectives were assessed, step by step considering patient preparation and positioning, skin incisions, fascial opening, dissection, bone identification, retraction, deperiostization, decompression, discectomy, instrumentation, arthrodesis, and closure. Results: Most papers underline the usefulness of the Wiltse paraspinal approach as a minimally-invasive procedure, emphasizing the minimal intra-operative bleeding, short hospital stays, and low infection rates. However, none of the identified papers thoroughly described specific steps taken using this approach. Conclusion: The classical approach described by Wiltse observes the principles of minimally-invasive surgical procedures, sparing both the muscle planes and soft tissues, thereby allowing for ample decompression, discectomies, and spinal fusions with low complication rates.

[Spino-pelvic sagittal parameters in an asymptomatic population in Argentina]. / Parámetros sagitales espino-pélvicos en una población asintomática Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and describe spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters in a series of 100 Argentinian volunteers. METHODS: Lateral full-spine X-rays were obtained prospectively from 100 volunteers (30 males and 70 females), average age 34.1 years. All the volunteers were asymptomatic at the time of the study. Full-length left lateral spine radiographs (36'' cassette) were made using Kodak Elite CR equipment. The authors made determinations for the digital X-rays using Surgimap®, version 2.2.9.9.2. The following parameters were recorded: C7 SVA, C2-C7 CL, TK, LL, TPA, T1SPi, PI, PT, SS, L4-S1 angle, L1-L4 angle, PI-LL mismatch and CTPA. The data were analyzed using Medcalc 11.2 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each parameter according to its own measure score and distribution. Estimates of 95% reference and confidence intervals were calculated for each parameter. P = 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance. Volunteers were classified using the Roussouly morphometric classification system. RESULTS: Respective means for the above-listed variables were: CL -10.04, TK 30.14, T1SPi -6.5, L1-L4 -12.45, L4-S1 -46.16, CTPA 2.5, TPA 4.65, PT 11.22, PI 48.04, LL -59. 10, PI-LL -11.11, C7 SVA mm -23.68. Plus/minus two standard deviations (SD) for the variables were: CL (-33.26, 13.12); TK (17.15, 43.30); T1SPi (-11.78, -1.25), L1-L4 (-25.55, 0.25), L4-S1 (-64.44, -27.55), CTPA (0.33, 4.80), TPA (-8.64, 18.22), PT (-1.99, 24.75), PI (25.23, 71.44), LL (-78.74, -39.89), PI-LL (-29.10, 7.04), and C7 SVA mm (-79.45, 32.08). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective series of 100 adult volunteers, normal values for spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters were determined in Argentinian adults.

[Trajectory of lumbar and sacral pedicular screws: Comparison between midline versus wiltse approach]. / Trayectoria de los tornillos pediculares lumbares y sacros: Comparación entre el abordaje por linea media versus el abordaje posterolateral tipo wiltse.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the posterolateral Wiltse approach and conventional Midline approach in short lumbosacral fusions in terms of the angle of convergence of pedicle screws. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed computed tomography (CT) images of 76 lumbar and sacral pedicular screws that had been placed using a conventional midline approach (CA) (n = 38) and a Wiltse posterolateral approach (WA) (n = 38). All patients underwent short lumbosacral fusions from L3 to S1 for degenerative spinal disease. Screws with a bone gap >4 mm in any direction, cases with previous pedicular implants, and those with coronal plane curves >20° were excluded. RESULTS: Considering all implants, the angle of convergence was 23.3° (±15.8). The mean angulation in the WA group was 29.3° (±9.7), whereas in the CA group it was 17.2° (±0.6). This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In short, lumbosacral fusion employing the Wiltse approach allowed placement of pedicle implants with more convergence than the conventional midline approach. The clinical relevance of this is unknown, and prospective randomized studies are needed to clarify this.

Patients' perceptions of argentine physicians' empathy based on the jefferson scale of patient's perceptions of physician empathy: Psychometric data and demographic differences.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a modified Spanish version of the Jefferson Scale of Patient's Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) in Argentine patients and to explore how local demographic characteristics influence patients' perceptions of their physicians' empathy. METHODS: A survey was conducted in March 2013 among 400 Spanish-speaking outpatients attending three different public or private hospitals of Buenos Aires. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the JSPPPE factor structure, and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to evaluate its construct validity. Demographic variables including age, gender, geographic origin, education, health coverage, regular physician-established and patient-perceived health status were used to find what factors may influence empathy rating. RESULTS: The PCA yielded a one-factor model that accounted for 77.5% of the variance, and an adequate model fit was observed with CFA indices. Male and elderly patients, South American descendants, less educated people, and public hospital attendants were associated with a higher JSPPPE score. Patients perceived a lower interest of physicians in their daily problems and a poorer capacity "to stand in their shoes." DISCUSSION: The JSPPPE provides a valid score to measure patients' perceptions of physician empathy in Argentina. These findings afford insight into Argentine patients' awareness of their doctors' empathic concern; however, JSPPPE scores may be alternatively interpreted in terms of patients' satisfaction or likeability.

[Patients' preferences for information in health care decision-making]. / Preferencias de los pacientes sobre la información de su enfermedad.

A survey was carried out among patients who concurred to cardiologic services to know how patients preferred to be informed about their health status, and the demographic characteristics associated to these preferences, considering the following items: knowledge about the disease, information about different therapeutic options and decision-making. From 770 people surveyed, 738 (95.8%) answered the form completely. A trend to trust only in the doctor's knowledge to obtain information (81.7%), in wanting to know the options of treatment and express one's point of view (85.9%), and to involve the family in the decisions (63.2%) was observed. 9.6% preferred to receive the minimum necessary information or "to know nothing" about an alleged serious disease. Males tended less to request options and give opinion on the subject (or: 0.64), giving less freedom to family involvement (or: 1.31). people with a lower social and economical level claim fewer options (or: 0.48) and gave less family participation (or = 1.79). Natives from other South American countries had a minor tendency to demand for options and express their thoughts (or: 0.60); and the ones with lower education level trusted less in the doctor's knowledge (or: 1.81), demanded fewer options (or: 0.45) and chose not to know the severity of the disease (or: 0.56). the analysis of the demographical variables allowed to define preferences associated to age, sex, origin, education, religion and health status. In conclusion, although it is imperative to promote the patient's autonomy, individual preferences must be taken into account before informing and compromising the patient in decision-making about his disease.

Preferencias de los pacientes sobre la información de su enfermedad / Patients' preferences for information in health care decision-making

Se realizó una encuesta a pacientes que concurrían a servicios de cardiología para conocer cómo preferían ser informados sobre su estado de salud, y las características sociodemográficas asociadas con estas preferencias, considerando los siguientes ítems: conocimiento sobre la enfermedad, información sobre opciones terapéuticas y toma de decisiones. De 770 encuestados, 738 (95.8%) respondieron completamente el formulario. Se observó una tendencia a confiar sólo en el médico para obtener información (81.7%), a querer conocer las opciones de tratamiento y poder opinar (85.9%) y en menor medida, a la participación de la familia en las decisiones (63.2%). El 9.6% deseaba recibir la información mínima necesaria o "no saber nada" sobre una presunta enfermedad grave. Los varones fueron menos proclives a solicitar opciones y dar opinión (OR: 0.64), dando menos libertad a la participación familiar (OR: 1.31). Los de menor nivel socioeconómico reclamaron menos opciones (OR: 0.48) y dieron menor participación familiar (OR: 1.79). Los provenientes de otros países de Sudamérica tuvieron una menor tendencia a reclamar opciones y manifestar opinión (OR: 0.60); y los de menor nivel educativo confiaron menos en el conocimiento del médico (OR: 1.81), exigieron menos opciones (OR: 0.45) y prefirieron no conocer la gravedad de la enfermedad (OR: 0.56). El análisis de las variables demográficas permitió definir distintas preferencias de información asociadas a la edad, sexo, procedencia, educación, religión y estado de salud. Se concluye que, aunque es imperativo promover la autonomía del paciente, se deben conocer las preferencias individuales antes de informar y comprometer al paciente en el proceso de toma de decisiones sobre su enfermedad.

A survey was carried out among patients who concurred to cardiologic services to know how patients preferred to be informed about their health status, and the demographic characteristics associated to these preferences, considering the following items: knowledge about the disease, information about different therapeutic options and decision-making. From 770 people surveyed, 738 (95.8%) answered the form completely. A trend to trust only in the doctor's knowledge to obtain information (81.7%), in wanting to know the options of treatment and express one's point of view (85.9%), and to involve the family in the decisions (63.2%) was observed. 9.6% preferred to receive the minimum necessary information or "to know nothing" about an alleged serious disease. Males tended less to request options and give opinion on the subject (OR: 0.64), giving less freedom to family involvement (OR: 1.31). People with a lower social and economical level claim fewer options (OR: 0.48) and gave less family participation (OR = 1.79). Natives from other South American countries had a minor tendency to demand for options and express their thoughts (OR: 0.60); and the ones with lower education level trusted less in the doctor's knowledge (OR: 1.81), demanded fewer options (OR: 0.45) and chose not to know the severity of the disease (OR: 0.56). The analysis of the demographical variables allowed to define preferences associated to age, sex, origin, education, religion and health status. In conclusion, although it is imperative to promote the patient's autonomy, individual preferences must be taken into account before informing and compromising the patient in decision-making about his disease.

Preferencias de los pacientes sobre la información de su enfermedad / Patients preferences for information in health care decision-making

Se realizó una encuesta a pacientes que concurrían a servicios de cardiología para conocer cómo preferían ser informados sobre su estado de salud, y las características sociodemográficas asociadas con estas preferencias, considerando los siguientes ítems: conocimiento sobre la enfermedad, información sobre opciones terapéuticas y toma de decisiones. De 770 encuestados, 738 (95.8%) respondieron completamente el formulario. Se observó una tendencia a confiar sólo en el médico para obtener información (81.7%), a querer conocer las opciones de tratamiento y poder opinar (85.9%) y en menor medida, a la participación de la familia en las decisiones (63.2%). El 9.6% deseaba recibir la información mínima necesaria o "no saber nada" sobre una presunta enfermedad grave. Los varones fueron menos proclives a solicitar opciones y dar opinión (OR: 0.64), dando menos libertad a la participación familiar (OR: 1.31). Los de menor nivel socioeconómico reclamaron menos opciones (OR: 0.48) y dieron menor participación familiar (OR: 1.79). Los provenientes de otros países de Sudamérica tuvieron una menor tendencia a reclamar opciones y manifestar opinión (OR: 0.60); y los de menor nivel educativo confiaron menos en el conocimiento del médico (OR: 1.81), exigieron menos opciones (OR: 0.45) y prefirieron no conocer la gravedad de la enfermedad (OR: 0.56). El análisis de las variables demográficas permitió definir distintas preferencias de información asociadas a la edad, sexo, procedencia, educación, religión y estado de salud. Se concluye que, aunque es imperativo promover la autonomía del paciente, se deben conocer las preferencias individuales antes de informar y comprometer al paciente en el proceso de toma de decisiones sobre su enfermedad.(AU)

A survey was carried out among patients who concurred to cardiologic services to know how patients preferred to be informed about their health status, and the demographic characteristics associated to these preferences, considering the following items: knowledge about the disease, information about different therapeutic options and decision-making. From 770 people surveyed, 738 (95.8%) answered the form completely. A trend to trust only in the doctors knowledge to obtain information (81.7%), in wanting to know the options of treatment and express ones point of view (85.9%), and to involve the family in the decisions (63.2%) was observed. 9.6% preferred to receive the minimum necessary information or "to know nothing" about an alleged serious disease. Males tended less to request options and give opinion on the subject (OR: 0.64), giving less freedom to family involvement (OR: 1.31). People with a lower social and economical level claim fewer options (OR: 0.48) and gave less family participation (OR = 1.79). Natives from other South American countries had a minor tendency to demand for options and express their thoughts (OR: 0.60); and the ones with lower education level trusted less in the doctors knowledge (OR: 1.81), demanded fewer options (OR: 0.45) and chose not to know the severity of the disease (OR: 0.56). The analysis of the demographical variables allowed to define preferences associated to age, sex, origin, education, religion and health status. In conclusion, although it is imperative to promote the patients autonomy, individual preferences must be taken into account before informing and compromising the patient in decision-making about his disease.(AU)