Índice de inmunidad-inflamación sistémica (IIS) como marcador pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a prognostic marker of mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHOD: Retrospective study that included patients admitted to a general hospital in Mexico City with diagnostic of COVID-19, confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal swab specimens in addition to characteristic symptomatology and computerized thoracic tomography imaging. Upon admission an hematic biometry was taken to calculate the SII (neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes). The optimal cut-off point was determined from a ROC curve; the chi-square test was used to evaluate the association of SII with mortality, the strength of the association was estimated through the odds ratio (OR) and, finally, a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: 140 individuals were included, 86 (61.4%) men and 54 women (38.6%), the mean age of patients was 52 (± 13.81) years old. The best prognostic cut-off point found was 2332.30 × 109 (area under the curve: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.59-0.77; p < 0.05). The OR was 3.78 (95% CI: 1.83-7.82; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the SII is an easily available tool, effective and a prognostic marker of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

OBJETIVO: Determinar si el índice de inmunidad-inflamación sistémica (IIS) es un marcador pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de COVID-19 a un hospital general de la Ciudad de México, confirmado mediante prueba de reacción cuantitativa en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa de muestras de hisopado nasofaríngeo, además de la sintomatología característica y los hallazgos de la tomografía computarizada de tórax. A su ingreso se les realizó biometría hemática para el cálculo del IIS (neutrófilos × plaquetas/linfocitos). Mediante una curva ROC se determinó el punto de corte óptimo del IIS. Para evaluar la asociación del IIS con la mortalidad se utilizó la prueba de ji al cuadrado, la fuerza de la asociación con la razón de momios (OR, odds ratio) y se realizó un análisis multivariado de regresión logística binaria. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 140 individuos, de los cuales 86 (61.4%) eran hombres y 54 (38.6%) mujeres, con una media de edad de 52 (± 13.81) años. El mejor punto de corte pronóstico fue 2332.30 × 109 (área bajo la curva: 0.68; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0.59-0.77; p < 0.05). La OR fue de 3.78 (IC95%: 1.83-7.82; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: El IIS mostró ser una herramienta de fácil disponibilidad y un marcador pronóstico de mortalidad al ingreso en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19.

TG/HDL index to identify subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) index has been proposed as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. In Mexico, there is a study in young adults that relates it to insulin resistance, but no cutoff point that distinguishes subjects with metabolic syndrome has been defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cutoff point for the TG/HDL index that identifies subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population. METHODS: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the criteria established in the Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program adapted to the Mexican population. To identify the TG/HDL index cutoff point, ROC curve analysis and the Youden index were used. RESULTS: 1,318 subjects aged 40.9 ± 13.0 years participated in the study; 65.6% were women and 34.4% men; 41.2% had metabolic syndrome. The TG/HDL index obtained an area under the curve of 0.85 and an optimal cutoff point value ≥ 3.46, with a sensitivity of 79.6% and specificity of 76.4%. CONCLUSIONS: TG/HDL index cutoff point ≥ 3.46 is suitable for identifying subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.

ANTECEDENTES: El índice triglicéridos/lipoproteína de alta densidad (TG/HDL) ha sido propuesto como un indicador de riesgo cardiovascular. En México, existe un estudio en adultos jóvenes que lo relaciona con resistencia a la insulina, pero no se ha definido un punto de corte que distinga a sujetos con síndrome metabólico. OBJETIVO: Determinar el punto de corte para el índice TG/HDL que identifique a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana. MÉTODOS: El síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó mediante los criterios establecidos en el Tercer Reporte del Panel de Tratamiento para Adultos del Programa Nacional de Educación en Colesterol adaptados a la población mexicana. Para identificar el punto de corte del índice TG/HDL se utilizó el análisis de curvas ROC y el índice de Youden. RESULTADOS: En el estudio participaron 1318 sujetos con edad de 40.9 ± 13.0 años; 65.6 % fuerin mujeres y 34.4 % hombres; 41.2% presentó síndrome metabólico. El índice TG/HDL obtuvo un valor del área bajo la curva de 0.85 y un valor óptimo de punto de corte ≥ 3.46, con sensibilidad de 79.6 % y especificidad de 76.4 %. CONCLUSIONES: El punto de corte ≥ 3.46 para el índice TG/HDL es adecuado para identificar a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana.

Índice TG/HDL para identificar a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana / TG/HDL index to identify subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population

Resumen Antecedentes: El índice triglicéridos/lipoproteína de alta densidad (TG/HDL) ha sido propuesto como un indicador de riesgo cardiovascular. En México, existe un estudio en adultos jóvenes que lo relaciona con resistencia a la insulina, pero no se ha definido un punto de corte que distinga a sujetos con síndrome metabólico. Objetivo: Determinar el punto de corte para el índice TG/HDL que identifique a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana. Métodos: El síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó mediante los criterios establecidos en el Tercer Reporte del Panel de Tratamiento para Adultos del Programa Nacional de Educación en Colesterol adaptados a la población mexicana. Para identificar el punto de corte del índice TG/HDL se utilizó el análisis de curvas ROC y el índice de Youden. Resultados: En el estudio participaron 1318 sujetos con edad de 40.9 ± 13.0 años; 65.6 % fuerin mujeres y 34.4 % hombres; 41.2% presentó síndrome metabólico. El índice TG/HDL obtuvo un valor del área bajo la curva de 0.85 y un valor óptimo de punto de corte ≥ 3.46, con sensibilidad de 79.6 % y especificidad de 76.4 %. Conclusiones: El punto de corte ≥ 3.46 para el índice TG/HDL es adecuado para identificar a sujetos con síndrome metabólico en población mexicana.

Abstract Background: The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) index has been proposed as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. In Mexico, there is a study in young adults that relates it to insulin resistance, but no cutoff point that identifies subjects with metabolic syndrome has been defined. Objective: To determine the cutoff point for the TG/HDL index that identifies subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population. Methods: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the criteria established by the Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program adapted to the Mexican population. To identify the TG/HDL index cutoff point, ROC curve analysis and the Youden index were used. Results: 1,318 subjects aged 40.9 ± 13.0 years participated in the study; 65.6% were women and 34.4% men; 41.2% had metabolic syndrome. The TG/HDL index obtained an area under the curve of 0.85 and an optimal cutoff point value ≥ 3.46, with a sensitivity of 79.6% and specificity of 76.4%. Conclusions: TG/HDL index cutoff point ≥ 3.46 is suitable for identifying subjects with metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.

A real use case of semi-supervised learning for mammogram classification in a local clinic of Costa Rica.

The implementation of deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis systems for the classification of mammogram images can help in improving the accuracy, reliability, and cost of diagnosing patients. However, training a deep learning model requires a considerable amount of labelled images, which can be expensive to obtain as time and effort from clinical practitioners are required. To address this, a number of publicly available datasets have been built with data from different hospitals and clinics, which can be used to pre-train the model. However, using models trained on these datasets for later transfer learning and model fine-tuning with images sampled from a different hospital or clinic might result in lower performance. This is due to the distribution mismatch of the datasets, which include different patient populations and image acquisition protocols. In this work, a real-world scenario is evaluated where a novel target dataset sampled from a private Costa Rican clinic is used, with few labels and heavily imbalanced data. The use of two popular and publicly available datasets (INbreast and CBIS-DDSM) as source data, to train and test the models on the novel target dataset, is evaluated. A common approach to further improve the model's performance under such small labelled target dataset setting is data augmentation. However, often cheaper unlabelled data is available from the target clinic. Therefore, semi-supervised deep learning, which leverages both labelled and unlabelled data, can be used in such conditions. In this work, we evaluate the semi-supervised deep learning approach known as MixMatch, to take advantage of unlabelled data from the target dataset, for whole mammogram image classification. We compare the usage of semi-supervised learning on its own, and combined with transfer learning (from a source mammogram dataset) with data augmentation, as also against regular supervised learning with transfer learning and data augmentation from source datasets. It is shown that the use of a semi-supervised deep learning combined with transfer learning and data augmentation can provide a meaningful advantage when using scarce labelled observations. Also, we found a strong influence of the source dataset, which suggests a more data-centric approach needed to tackle the challenge of scarcely labelled data. We used several different metrics to assess the performance gain of using semi-supervised learning, when dealing with very imbalanced test datasets (such as the G-mean and the F2-score), as mammogram datasets are often very imbalanced. Graphical Abstract Description of the test-bed implemented in this work. Two different source data distributions were used to fine-tune the different models tested in this work. The target dataset is the in-house CR-Chavarria-2020 dataset.

Association of KIR2DL2 gene with anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies for serodiagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical autoimmune syndrome that causes joint damage. The positive or negative anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibodies serodiagnosis differentiates two subsets of the disease, each with different genetic background. Previous studies have identified associations between KIR genes and rheumatoid arthritis but not with anti-CCP serodiagnosis. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of patients seropositive and seronegative to anti-CCP and its possible association with KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genes. We included 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from western Mexico, who were determined for anti-CCP serodiagnosis by ELISA, and 16 KIR genes were genotyped by PCR-SSP. The proportion of seropositive anti-CCP patients was 83%, and they presented a higher frequency of KIR2DL2 genes than the seronegative group (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044) which, in turn, presented a higher KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ genotype frequency than the first ones (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). These results suggest different KIR genetic backgrounds for each subset of the disease according to anti-CCP serodiagnosis.

La artritis reumatoide es un síndrome clínico autoinmune que causa daño en las articulaciones. El serodiagnóstico positivo o negativo para anticuerpos proteicos anticíclicos citrulinados (CCP) diferencia dos subconjuntos de la enfermedad, cada uno con diferente fondo genético. Estudios previos han identificado asociaciones entre los genes killer cell immunoglobulin- like receptor (KIR) y la artritis reumatoide, pero no con el serodiagnóstico de anti-CCP. Por lo tanto, investigamos la proporción de seropositividad y seronegatividad anti-CCP y su posible asociación con genes KIR. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con artritis reumatoide del occidente de México, a quienes se les determinó su serodiagnóstico anti-CCP por ELISA y también se les realizó genotipificación de 16 genes KIR por PCR-SSP. La proporción de pacientes seropositivos anti-CCP fue del 83% y presentaron una mayor frecuencia génica KIR2DL2 que el grupo seronegativo (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044), estos últimos presentaron mayor frecuencia genotípica KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ que los primeros (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). Los resultados sugieren diferente fondo genético KIR para cada subconjunto de la enfermedad, de acuerdo con el serodiagnóstico anti-CCP.

Asociación entre elevación sérica de gamma-glutamil transpeptidasa y riesgo aumentado de evento vascular cerebral isquémico en población mexicana / Relation between serum elevation of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and increased risk of ischemic stroke in Mexican population

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: Las concentraciones elevadas de gamma-glutamil transpeptidasa (GGT) se han asociado con el riesgo de enfermedad coronaria isquémica, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y evento vascular cerebral. OBJETIVO: Determinar mediante métodos estadísticos estandarizados que la elevación sérica de gamma-glutamil transpeptidasa es predictor temprano de evento vascular cerebral en la población mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio tipo casos y controles, con medición de GGT sérica en pacientes con enfermedades crónico-degenerativas en control y pacientes crónicos con un evento cardiovascular adverso, en este caso, un evento vascular cerebral de tipo isquémico (EVC), efectuado de mayo de 2016 a julio de 2017. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 74 pacientes; los pacientes con EVC tuvieron, en pro- medio, 17.81 U/L de GGT más que los controles ajustado por edad, con diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.038, IC95% 1.04-34.57). CONCLUSIONES: Las concentraciones de gamma-glutamil transpeptidasa se correlacionan de manera directamente proporcional con el riesgo cardiovascular, lo que tiene gran importancia debido a que se ha demostrado que sus concentraciones séricas pueden disminuirse con medidas como dieta y ejercicio, por lo que se abre un amplio panorama para posteriores estudios que puedan reafirmar la validez de éste y hacer otros con un enfoque preventivo.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) have been associated with the risk of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and stroke. OBJECTIVE: To determine, by means of standardized statistical methods, that the serum elevation of GGT is an early predictor of ischemic stroke in the Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A case-control study was conducted with measurement of serum GGT in patients with chronic-degenerative diseases without cardiovascular events and chronic patients with an adverse cardiovascular event, in this case, an ischemic stroke, done from May 2016 to June 2017. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were analyzed; patients with ischemic stroke presented, on average, 17.81 U/L of GGT more than controls adjusted for age, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.038, 95%CI 1.04- 34.57). CONCLUSIONS: GGT levels correlated directly with cardiovascular risk, which is of great importance, since it has been shown that serum levels can be reduced with measures such as diet and exercise, so that a broad panorama opens up for further studies that can reaffirm the validity of this study and do others with a preventive approach.

Association of kir2dl2 gene with anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies for serodiagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical autoimmune syndrome that causes joint damage. The positive or negative anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibodies serodiagnosis differentiates two subsets of the disease, each with different genetic background. Previous studies have identified associations between KIR genes and rheumatoid arthritis but not with anti-CCP serodiagnosis. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of patients seropositive and seronegative to anti-CCP and its possible association with KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genes. We included 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from western Mexico, who were determined for anti-CCP serodiagnosis by ELISA, and 16 KIR genes were genotyped by PCR-SSP. The proportion of seropositive anti-CCP patients was 83%, and they presented a higher frequency of KIR2DL2 genes than the seronegative group (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044) which, in turn, presented a higher KIR2DL2-/ KIR2DL3+ genotype frequency than the first ones (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). These results suggest different KIR genetic backgrounds for each subset of the disease according to anti-CCP serodiagnosis.

La artritis reumatoide es un síndrome clínico autoinmune que causa daño en las articulaciones. El serodiagnóstico positivo o negativo para anticuerpos proteicos anti-cíclicos citrulinados (CCP) diferencia dos subconjuntos de la enfermedad, cada uno con diferente fondo genético. Estudios previos han identificado asociaciones entre los genes killer cell immunoglobulin- like receptor (KIR) y la artritis reumatoide, pero no con el serodiagnóstico de anti-CCP. Por lo tanto, investigamos la proporción de seropositividad y seronegatividad anti-CCP y su posible asociación con genes KIR. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con artritis reumatoide del occidente de México, a quienes se les determinó su serodiagnóstico anti-CCP por ELISA y también se les realizó genotipificación de 16 genes KIR por PCR-SSP. La proporción de pacientes seropositivos anti-CCP fue del 83% y presentaron una mayor frecuencia génica KIR2DL2 que el grupo seronegativo (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044), estos últimos presentaron mayor frecuencia genotípica KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ que los primeros (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). Los resultados sugieren diferente fondo genético KIR para cada subconjunto de la enfermedad, de acuerdo con el serodiagnóstico anti-CCP.

[Effect of the components of the metabolic syndrome on pulmonary function. The unexpected role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol]. / Efecto de los componentes del síndrome metabólico en la función pulmonar. El inesperado papel del colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a condition that predisposes to cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. In addition, it can have effects over neoplastic pathologies, liver and pulmonary function. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the metabolic syndrome and its components on pulmonary function. METHOD: 110 subjects from Mexico City were evaluated and anthropometric measurements, glucose determination, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were made. They underwent a simple spirometry. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made following the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. RESULTS: Of 110 individuals, 90 (82%) were women and 20 men (18%); 71 subjects (65%) presented metabolic syndrome. Subjects with central obesity had a forced vital capacity (FVC) lower than subjects without central obesity (2.72 vs. 3.11 liters; p < 0.05). Those with low HDL had better spirometric results than subjects with normal HDL (FEV1 2.36 vs. 1.85 liters; p < 0.05), FVC (2.95 vs. 2.45 liters; p < 0.05) and FEV1/FVC ratio (0.78 vs.74; p < 0.05). Hypertensive subjects presented lower volumes in FEV1 (1.91 vs. 2.38; p < 0.05) and FVC (2.49 vs. 2.99; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the spirometry volumes of patients with metabolic syndrome versus the metabolically healthy subjects. The only factors associated with a decrease in FEV1 and FVC are central obesity and arterial hypertension. An unexpected finding was the negative correlation between HDL levels and lung function.

ANTECEDENTES: El síndrome metabólico es un estado que predispone a enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes mellitus. Además, puede repercutir en la función hepática, en patologías neoplásicas y en la función pulmonar. Nuestro objetivo es analizar el efecto del síndrome metabólico y sus componentes sobre la función pulmonar. MÉTODO: Se evaluaron 110 sujetos de la Ciudad de México a quienes se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, determinación de glucosa, triglicéridos y colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL). Se les practicó una espirometría simple. Se realizó el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico siguiendo los criterios NCEP-ATPIII. RESULTADOS: De 110 individuos, 90 (82%) fueron mujeres y 20 hombres (18%), y 71 (65%) presentaron síndrome metabólico. Los sujetos con obesidad central tuvieron una capacidad vital forzada (CVF) menor que aquellos sin obesidad central (2.72 vs. 3.11 l; p < 0.05). Los que presentaron colesterol HDL bajo tuvieron mejores resultados espirométricos que los sujetos con colesterol HDL normal (volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo [VEF1] 2.36 vs. 1.85 l; p < 0.05), mejor CVF (2.95 vs. 2.45 l; p < 0.05) y mejor relación VEF1/CVF (78 vs. 74; p < 0.05). Los sujetos hipertensos presentaron menores volúmenes en VEF1 (1.91 vs. 2.38; p < 0.05) y CVF (2.49 vs. 2.99; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: No existe diferencia en los volúmenes espirométricos de pacientes con síndrome metabólico al compararlos con sujetos metabólicamente sanos. Solo la obesidad central y la hipertensión arterial se asocian con disminución del VEF1 y la CVF. Un hallazgo inesperado es la correlación negativa entre los valores de colesterol HDL y la función pulmonar.

Valor del índice proteína C reactiva/albúmina en el diagnóstico de sepsis / Value of C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin index in the diagnosis of sepsis

Resumen ANTECEDENTES La sepsis es una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo, en esta enfermedad el efecto de la respuesta inflamatoria puede empeorar el pronóstico del paciente. OBJETIVO Averiguar si existe correlación entre el índice proteína C reactiva (PCR)/albúmina y las escalas SOFA y qSOFA a fin de establecer su utilidad como herramienta diagnóstica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO Estudio transversal analítico, realizado de julio de 2016 a junio de 2017 en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital General Xoco, SEDESA. Se incluyeron pacientes en quienes se estableció diagnóstico de sepsis mediante las escalas SOFA y qSOFA en quienes se determinó el índice PCR/albúmina, posteriormente se procedió a buscar correlación entre estas mediciones. RESULTADOS Se incluyeron 30 pacientes. No se observó correlación entre los puntajes qSOFA (p = 0.79) y SOFA (p = 0.40) con el índice PCR/albúmina. El índice PCR/albúmina fue menor en el sexo femenino (p = 0.03). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa de la muerte hospitalaria con un índice PCR/albúmina menor (p = 0.05). Otras variables que se correlacionaron con la muerte fueron la edad (p = 0.01) y la escala SOFA (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONES No existe correlación significativa entre el índice PCR/albúmina y los puntajes qSOFA y SOFA en el diagnóstico de sepsis. Se encontró un índice PCR/albúmina menor en los pacientes del sexo femenino y que tuvieron muerte hospitalaria. Otras variables que se correlacionaron con la muerte fueron la edad y el puntaje SOFA.

Abstract BACKGROUND Sepsis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in this entity the impact of the inflammatory response can worsen the patient's prognosis. OBJECTIVE To find out if there is a correlation between the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin index and SOFA and qSOFA scores that allow us to establish its utility as a diagnostic tool. MATERIAL AND METHOD A cross-sectional analytical study carried out from July 2016 to June 2017 at the Emergency Department of the General Hospital Xoco, SEDESA. We included patients who were diagnosed with sepsis using SOFA and qSOFA scales in whom the CRP/albumin index was determined. We then proceeded to search for correlation between these measurements. RESULTS There were included 30 patients. There was no correlation between qSOFA (p = 0.79) and SOFA (p = 0.40) scores with the CRP/albumin index. This index was lower in females (p = 0.03). We found a statistically significant relationship of hospital death with a lower CRP/albumin index (p = 0.05). Other variables that correlated with death were age (p = 0.01) and SOFA (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS There is no significant correlation between CRP/albumin index and qSOFA and SOFA score in the diagnosis of sepsis. A lower CRP/albumin index was found in female patients and who died in hospital. Other variables that correlated with death were age and SOFA score.

Circulating Levels of Uric Acid and Risk for Metabolic Syndrome.

Hyperuricemia leads to insulin resistance, whereas insulin resistance decreases renal excretion of uric acid, both mechanisms link elevated serum uric acid with metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the probability for the development of metabolic syndrome in low-income young adults with hyperuricaemia. METHODS: We evaluated 103 patients less than 40 years of age, from a low-income population, and without history of cardiovascular disease, in all of them the presence of metabolic syndrome was assessed in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. In all patients, fasting serum uric acid levels were measured; hyperuricaemia was defined as serum uric acid values 6.5 mg/dl in men and 5.1 mg/dl in women. Statistical analysis was performed with odds ratio. RESULTS: 83 of our patients (80.5%) suffered metabolic syndrome, the odds ratio for the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with hyperuricaemia was 5.1 (p=0.002, I.C 1.8- 14.5). When patients were evaluated by gender a significantly association between hyperuricaemia and metabolic syndrome was found in women (odds ratio 3.6, p=0.048, C.I. 1.0-12.9), and men (odds ratio 10.2, p= 0.015, IC 1.5-13.2). When uric acid was correlated with the components of metabolic syndrome, we only found a positive correlation with waist circumference (r=0.483). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a significant association between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome in low-income young adults in Mexico. DR is associated with estimated risk of CVD in type 2 diabetic patients.

Correlation between biopterin levels and intimal-media thickness in type-2 diabetic hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Biopterins have a crucial role in the function of nitric oxide synthase, uncoupling of the enzyme leads to endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage, The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of biopterins with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: We studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 normotensive non-diabetic age-matched subjects, in whom biopterins levels were measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Additionally, the CIMT of both the common and internal carotid arteries was measured. The levels of biopterins and CIMT were correlated using the Pearson correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: We did not find a significantly correlation between biopterins levels and CIMT. However, we found a significantly inverse correlation between the BH4/BH2 ratio and the CIMT in patients (r = -0.54, p < 0.01). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the CIMT correlated significantly and independently with the BH4/BH2 ratio. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the BH4/BH2 ratio seems to be a better marker of vascular disease than biopterin levels.

[Validation of diagnosis scales for differencing hemorrhagic from ischemic cerebral vascular disease]. / Escalas clínicas para diferenciar enfermedad vascular cerebral hemorrágica de isquémica.

BACKGROUND: differentiating hemorrhagic from ischemic cerebral vascular disease (CVD) is the starting point for the treatment. The aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the scales that differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke. METHODS: we applied the scale of Siriraj Stroke Score (SSS) and Greek Stroke Score (GSS) to patients with stroke. The results were described as means and frequencies. For significant variables odds ratio was calculated. We calculated the validity of both scales compared to the head computed tomography. RESULTS: ninety one patients had ischemic stroke and 28 were hemorrhagic. The mean systolic blood pressure in ischemic stroke was 138.94 mmHg (SD ± 26.90) and hemorrhagic was 165.55 mmHg (SD ± 36.40) p = 0.0007. The atherogenic index (AT) in ischemic stroke was 4.52 (SD ± 1.52) and in hemorrhagic was 4.84 (SD ± 2.01) p = 0.87. The specificity of the SSS for hemorrhagic stroke is 85.5 % and 96.7 % for the GSS. CONCLUSIONS: the GSS has a high specificity for hemorrhagic stroke.

Thrombocytosis as a predictor of distant recurrence in patients with rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Thrombocytosis is frequently observed in patients with malignancy. We undertook this study to determine the prognostic value of thrombocytosis in patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing low anterior resection for rectal cancer between January 2000 and March 2007. Preoperative platelet count was measured before surgery. Postoperative platelets were determined 1 month after surgery. Two-tailed p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred sixty three patients with rectal cancer were included in the study. Preoperative platelet count >350,000 was found in 8% of patients. Postoperative platelet count >350,000 was found in 6% of patients. Distant metastases were found in 17 patients (10.4%). Significant variables in the multivariate analyses were preoperative platelets >350,000 (p = 0.001), postoperative platelets >350,000 (p = 0.002), carcinoembryonic antigen >13 ng/dL (p = 0.003). Patients with preoperative platelet count <350,000 showed a 5-year survival rate of 81%, whereas patients with platelet count >350,000 had a 25-month survival [95% confidence interval (CI): 20-26]; p <0.001. Patients with postoperative platelets <350,000 showed a 5-year survival rate of 80%, whereas patients with platelets >350,000 showed a 3-year survival rate of 37.5% (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pre- or postoperative platelet count >350,000 is associated with poor survival in patients with rectal cancer. The measurement of platelets is a clinical marker useful to define the prognosis for patients with rectal cancer.

Use of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer: report from the Mexican opinion and analysis forum on colorectal cancer treatment with bevacizumab (September 2009).

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and although associated mortality rates in South American countries are generally among the lowest in the world, they are on the rise. The prognosis of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer has improved markedly over the last 12 years, increasing from 5 months with best supportive care to almost 2 years with combination chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. New prognostic and predictive biomarkers have been identified to guide therapy. Prognostic markers indicate patient survival independent of therapy and include disease stage, mutational status, and carcinoembryonic antigen. More recently, predictive markers of treatment outcomes have been identified. The most studied are mutations of the KRAS and BRAF genes, which are associated with resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy. Tumor blood vessels have a number of structural and functional abnormalities that result in increased tumor vascularity and growth driven by angiogenesis. The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, which binds to and neutralizes VEGF-A, has become a central part of the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The addition of bevacizumab to fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin, irinotecan plus bolus 5-FU/leucovorin, or irinotecan plus infusional 5-FU/leucovorin significantly improves the overall survival of patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. In addition, a significant increase in overall survival is seen when bevacizumab is added to oxaliplatin plus infusional 5-FU/leucovorin (FOLFOX) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who progressed on a non-bevacizumab-containing regimen. Although the majority of studies were performed prior to the identification of KRAS and BRAF as predictive biomarkers, subsequent analysis has shown the benefits of bevacizumab occur independently of the mutational status of these genes. In patients who have progressed on a bevacizumab-containing regimen, continuation of bevacizumab is significantly associated with an improved survival based on observational cohort studies. Surgical resection is recommended in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer where complete removal of tumors can be achieved. Perioperative chemotherapy using FOLFOX for 3 months before and 3 months after surgery is associated with a 9% improvement in 3-year survival. The use of chemotherapy in patients initially deemed unresectable has produced resection rates approaching 40%, and the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy in this setting is feasible, safe, and effective. In a study of 219 patients, the addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOX was associated with a significant increase in major or complete pathologic response compared with FOLFOX alone. Improvements in patient survival have changed the treatment paradigm for metastatic colorectal cancer. Newer approaches view treatment not as distinct lines of therapy but as a continuum that includes personalized treatment plans offering maintenance therapy and even drug holidays between aggressive treatment periods. This approach achieves similar efficacy outcomes with reduced toxicity, and investigation of the role of bevacizumab as maintenance therapy is ongoing.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after preoperative chemoradiation therapy and low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after preoperative chemoradiation plus low anterior resection and total mesorectal excision remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze, the associated risk factors with colorectal anastomosis leakage following preoperative chemo-radiation therapy and low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1992 and December 2000, 92 patients with rectal cancer were treated with 45 Gy of preoperative radiotherapy and bolus infusion of 5-FU 450 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and 28-32, six weeks later low anterior resection was performed. Univariate analysis was performed as to find the risk factors for colorectal anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: There were 48 males and 44 females, mean age was 55.8 years. Mean tumor location above the anal verge was 7.4 +/- 2.6 cm. Preoperative mean levels of albumin and lymphocytes were 3.8 g/dL and 1,697/microL, respectively. Mean distal margin was 2.9 +/- 1.4 cm. Multivisceral resection was performed in 11 patients (13.8%), 32 patients (35%) had diverting stoma. Mean preoperative hemorrhage was 577 +/- 381 mL, and 27 patients (24%) received blood transfusion. Ten patients (10.9%) had anastomotic leakage. No operative mortality occurred. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage were: gender (male) and tumor size > 4 cm. Three patients of the group without colostomy required a mean of six days in the unit of intensive care; mean time of hospital stay of patients with and without protective colostomy was 12.4 +/- 4.5 days vs. 18.3 +/- 5.2 days (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In male patients with rectal adenocarcinoma measuring > 4 cm, treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy + low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision, a diverting stoma should be performed to avoid major morbidity due to anastomotic leak.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after preoperative chemoradiation therapy and low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer / Factores de riesgo para la fuga anastomótica después de quimio-radioterapia preoperatoria y resección anterior baja con excisión total de mesorrecto para cáncer de recto localmente avanzado

Background. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after preoperative chemoradiation plus low anterior resection and total mesorectal excision remain uncertain. Objective. To analyze, the associated risk factors with colorectal anastomosis leakage following preoperative chemo-radiation therapy and low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Materials and methods. Between January 1992 and December 2000, 92 patients with rectal cancer were treated with 45 Gy of preoperative radiotherapy and bolus infusion of 5-FU 450 mg/m² on days 1-5 and 28-32, six weeks later low anterior resection was performed. Univariate analysis was performed as to find the risk factors for colorectal anastomotic leakage. Results. There were 48 males and 44 females, mean age was 55.8 years. Mean tumor location above the anal verge was 7.4 ± 2.6 cm. Preoperative mean levels of albumin and lymphocytes were 3.8 g/dL and l,697/mL, respectively. Mean distal margin was 2.9 ± 1.4 cm. Multivisceral resection was performed in 11 patients (13.8%), 32 patients (35%) had diverting stoma. Mean preoperative hemorrhage was 577 ± 381 mL, and 27 patients (24%) received blood transfusion. Ten patients (10.9%) had anastomotic leakage. No operative mortality occurred. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage were: gender (male) and tumor size > 4 cm. Three patients of the group without colostomy required a mean of six days in the unit of intensive care; mean time of hospital stay of patients with and without protective colostomy was 12.4 ± 4.5 days vs. 18.3 ± 5.2 days (p = 0.01). Conclusion. In male patients with rectal adenocarcinoma measuring > 4 cm, treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy + low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision, a diverting stoma should be performed to avoid major morbidity due to anastomotic leak.

Antecedentes. Los factores de riesgo para la fuga de anastomosis colo-rectal después de quimio-radioterapia preoperatoria con excisión total de mesorrecto permanecen aún inciertos. Objetivo. Analizar los factores de riesgo asociados con la fuga o filtración de anastomosis colorrectal que sigue a la terapia de radiación química y a la extirpación anterior baja con total excisión mesorrectal para el cáncer rectal. Materiales y métodos. Entre enero de 1992 y diciembre de 2000, 92 pacientes con cáncer rectal fueron tratados con 45 Gy de radioterapia preoperativa e infusión del bolo de 5'FU450 mg/m² administrados los días 1-5 y del 28-32; seis semanas más tarde, se realizó la extirpación anterior baja. Se llevó a cabo un análisis univariado en cuanto a encontrar los factores de riesgo de la fuga anastomótica colorrectal. Resultados. Se trató a 48 varones y 44 mujeres cuya media etaria fue de 55.8 años. La localización media del tumor arriba del borde anal fue de 7.4 ± 2.6 cm. Los niveles medios preoperativos de albúmina y linfocitos fueron de 3.8 g/dL y 1,697/mL, respectivamente. El margen distal medio fue de 2.9 ± 1.4 cm. La extirpación multivisceral fue realizada en 11 pacientes (13.8%); 32 pacientes (35%) tuvieron una colostomía derivativa. La hemorragia preoperativa media fue de 577 ± 381 mL, y 27 pacientes (24%) recibieron transfusión sanguínea. Diez pacientes (10.9%) tuvieron fuga anastomótica. No hubo ningún deceso quirúrgico. Los factores de riesgo para la fuga anastomótica fueron: el género (masculino) y el tamaño del tumor > 4 cm. Tres pacientes del grupo sin colostomía requirieron una media de seis días en la UTI (Unidad de Terapia Intensiva); el promedio media de la duración hospitalaria de pacientes con y sin colostomía protectiva fue de 12.4 ± 4.5 días contra 18.3 ± 5.2 días (p = 0.01). Conclusión. En pacientes masculinos con adenocarcinoma rectal que mide > 4 cm, tratados mediante radioterapia química preoperativa + extirpación anterior baja con excisión total mesorrectal, debería realizarse una abertura que se desvíe a fin de evitar una mayor mortalidad debida a fuga anastomótica.

Prognostic significance of retrieved lymph nodes per specimen in resected rectal adenocarcinoma after preoperative chemoradiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Histologic examination of a regional lymphadenectomy specimen ordinarily should include 12 or more lymph nodes. However, in specimens from patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy this number has not yet been established. METHODS: From January 1990 to December 2000, 210 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma located between 0 and 10 cm from anal verge with invasion into perirectal fat, tethered or fixed to the pelvis, diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) scan and/or rectal ultrasound were included. All patients received 45 Gy+bolus infusion of 5-FU (450 mg/m2/days 1-5, 28-33 of RT) 4-8 weeks after surgery was performed. Specimens were mapped and sliced. Lymph nodes were studied under clearing or manual techniques. Five-year survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and comparison of groups with log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to find risk factors affecting local control and survival. RESULTS: There were 126 males and 84 females; mean age was 55.2 years. Low anterior resection was performed in 112 patients, abdominoperineal resection in 85, and pelvic exenteration in 13. Total retrieved lymph nodes numbered 2,554, of which 252 contained metastasis. The group was divided into patients with 1-10 retrieved lymph nodes (n=119) and patients with > or = 11 retrieved lymph nodes (n=91). Median follow-up was 49 months. Local recurrence was as follows: 15% in patients with specimens containing 1-10 lymph nodes and conversely 7.4% in those with > or = 11 (p=0.01). Five-year survival of patients with 1-10 lymph nodes was 48%, whereas for those with > or = 11 lymph nodes it was 69% (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Retrieval of at least 11 lymph nodes in the surgical specimen is not only a powerful tool to properly stage patients with rectal adenocarcinoma treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery, but it is also of prognostic relevance in that 5-year survival and local recurrence were better in this group of patients.

[Usefulness of scintigraphy images with 111In-CYT-103 in the diagnosis of colonic and rectal recurrence]. / Utilidad de las imágenes centelleográficas con 111In.CYT-103 en el diagnóstico de recurrencia del cáncer de colon y recto.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIC) with 111In-CYT-103 in detecting the extension of malignant disease in patients surgically treated for colorectal adenocarcinoma under suspicion of recurrence in comparison to CT scan (computed tomography) and exploratory laparotomy. DESIGN: Prospective and observational study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients under suspicion of recurrence, with a total of 31 lesions. All the patients had performed the following studies with GT, RIC with 111In-CYT-103, exploratory laparotomy and histopathology. RESULTS: A sensitivity of 96.8%, and specificity of 77.8%, and accuracy of 92% were found for the RIC. CT scan had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 71.5%, 88.8%, and 75.7%, respectively in extrahepatic lesions. When both methods are combined, results shows an increment in sensitivity. Hepatic lesions were present in 50% of the patients; a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 92%, and accuracy of 89% for RIC and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 92% for the CT. CONCLUSION: The results of clinical studies with 111In-CYT-103 in detecting the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma provided additional information, making this method a valuable complementary test that contributes to patient management.

Formalin instillation for refractory radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiation proctitis is a common complication after pelvic irradiation. One to five percent of these patients will develop intractable or massive hemorrhagic radiation proctitis that will require repeated hospital admissions and blood transfusions. We evaluated the benefits of instillation of 4% formalin in the management of refractory hemorrhagic radiation-induced proctitis. METHODS: From January 1998 to May 1999, 20 female patients who failed with administration of topical steroids and/or mesalazine were treated with 500 ml of 4% formalin instilled into the rectum in 50-ml aliquots. RESULTS: Median age was 58 years. Eighteen patients had cervical cancer and two, endometrial cancer. These patients received a mean of 7,500 rads to the pelvis. The symptoms began at a mean of 8 months after termination of radiotherapy. Median time of symptomatic rectal hemorrhage was 8 months. Median of blood units previously transfused was six (range: 2-11). Hemorrhage immediately ceased after the 4% formalin instillation in 17 patients. Three patients required formalin instillation repetition with success in one. Overall success was 90%. Median follow-up was 20 months. Five patients had moderate pelvic pain after instillation and one developed rectosigmoideal necrosis that required resection plus Hartmann procedure. Two patients developed rectovaginal fistula and required colostomy, and one thereafter, required abdominoperineal resection en bloc with the posterior wall of the vagina due to pelvis sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal instillation of 4% formalin is a simple, inexpensive, and efficient treatment for refractory hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

Utilidad de las imágenes centelleográficas con 111In. CYT-103 en el diagnóstico de recurrencia del cáncer de colon y recto / Usefulness of scintigraphy images with 111In-CYT-103 in the diagnosis of colonic and rectal recurrence

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIC) with 111In-CYT-103 in detecting the extension of malignant disease in patients surgically treated for colorectal adenocarcinoma under suspicion of recurrence in comparison to CT scan (computed tomography) and exploratory laparotomy. DESIGN: Prospective and observational study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients under suspicion of recurrence, with a total of 31 lesions. All the patients had performed the following studies with GT, RIC with 111In-CYT-103, exploratory laparotomy and histopathology. RESULTS: A sensitivity of 96.8, and specificity of 77.8, and accuracy of 92 were found for the RIC. CT scan had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 71.5, 88.8, and 75.7, respectively in extrahepatic lesions. When both methods are combined, results shows an increment in sensitivity. Hepatic lesions were present in 50 of the patients; a sensitivity of 85, a specificity of 92, and accuracy of 89 for RIC and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 92 for the CT. CONCLUSION: The results of clinical studies with 111In-CYT-103 in detecting the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma provided additional information, making this method a valuable complementary test that contributes to patient management.