Análisis de minimización de costes de brolucizumab en el tratamiento de la degeneración macular asociada a la edad neovascular / Cost minimization analysis of brolucizumab in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Introducción Brolucizumab es un nuevo fármaco antifactor de crecimiento endotelial vascular (anti-VEGF) administrado con una pauta fija de ocho o 12 semanas que en los estudios HAWK y HARRIER demostró ser no inferior a aflibercept con respecto a la mejor agudeza visual corregida, bajo una menor carga de administración. El objetivo del análisis fue comparar los costes directos sanitarios de ambos anti-VEGF como tratamiento en pacientes con degeneración macular asociada a la edad neovascular. Material y métodos Se realizó un análisis de minimización de costes bajo un horizonte temporal de 25 años y considerando el coste farmacológico, de administración, de pruebas de seguimiento y del manejo de eventos adversos. El uso de recursos fue obtenido de literatura relacionada y validada por expertos clínicos. Se llevaron a cabo diversos análisis de escenarios para comprobar la robustez de los resultados. Resultados Brolucizumab resultó con un menor coste por paciente en comparación con aflibercept, considerando el número de inyecciones derivadas de los estudios HAWK y HARRIER. Este resultado se mantuvo en los diferentes escenarios analizados, excepto frente al número de inyecciones de la pauta flexible de aflibercept del estudio ARIES, ya que la menor discontinuación de tratamiento con brolucizumab conlleva mantener el tratamiento de más pacientes. Al considerar la misma discontinuación, brolucizumab mantuvo los resultados observados en el caso base del análisis. Conclusiones El presente estudio muestra como la pauta de administración fija de brolucizumab puede ayudar a disminuir la carga asistencial para los centros sanitarios y los pacientes (AU)

Introduction Brolucizumab is a novel anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug administered in a fixed regimen of 8 or 12 weeks which, in the HAWK and HARRIER studies, was shown not to be inferior to aflibercept with respect to the best corrected visual acuity, with a less burdensome treatment regimen. The aim of the analysis was to compare the direct healthcare costs of both anti-VEGF as a treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Material and methods A cost minimization analysis was performed under a 25-year time horizon and considering the drug costs, administration, follow-up tests, and management of adverse events. Resource use was obtained from the related literature and validated by clinical experts. Various scenario analysis were carried out to check the robustness of the results. Results Brolucizumab resulted in a lower cost per patient compared with aflibercept, considering the number of injections derived from the HAWK and HARRIER studies. This result was maintained in the different scenarios analysed, except for the number of injections of the flexible aflibercept regimen of the ARIES study, since the lower discontinuation of treatment with brolucizumab implies maintaining the treatment of more patients. Considering the same discontinuation, brolucizumab maintained the results observed in the base case of the analysis. Conclusions This study shows how the fixed administration regimen of brolucizumab can help reduce both healthcare and patients’ burden (AU)

Cost minimization analysis of brolucizumab in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

INTRODUCTION: Brolucizumab is a novel anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug administered in a fixed regimen of 8 or 12 weeks which, in the HAWK and HARRIER studies, was shown not to be inferior to aflibercept with respect to the best corrected visual acuity, with a less burdensome treatment regimen. The aim of the analysis was to compare the direct healthcare costs of both anti-VEGF as a treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cost minimization analysis was performed under a 25-year time horizon and considering the drug costs, administration, follow-up tests, and management of adverse events. Resource use was obtained from the related literature and validated by clinical experts. Various scenario analysis were carried out to check the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Brolucizumab resulted in a lower cost per patient compared with aflibercept, considering the number of injections derived from the HAWK and HARRIER studies. This result was maintained in the different scenarios analysed, except for the number of injections of the flexible aflibercept regimen of the ARIES study, since the lower discontinuation of treatment with brolucizumab implies maintaining the treatment of more patients. Considering the same discontinuation, brolucizumab maintained the results observed in the base case of the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows how the fixed administration regimen of brolucizumab can help reduce both healthcare and patients' burden.

Association of coronary calcification with prognosis of Covid-19 patients without known heart disease.

Risk factors that determine the severity of Covid-19 have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a risk factor for death or mechanical ventilation (MV) of patients without known heart disease infected with Covid-19. We analyzed 283 consecutive in-patients with acute respiratory symptoms with chest computed tomography (chest-CT), without previous heart disease, and criteria for Covid-19 (RT-PCR positive and/or typical clinical and chest-CT findings). CAC was classified by the number of coronary segments affected as absent (0), mild (1-3), and severe calcification (more than 3). The association between CAC, CAC severity, and death or MV due to severe respiratory failure was assessed by logistic regression. The mean age was 58.7±15.7 years and 54.1% were men. Patients with CAC were older, more likely to have hypertension, and less likely to be obese. CAC was present in 75 patients (26.5%), of which 42 had a mild calcification and 33 had severe calcification, and was associated with death (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.01-5.48) or MV (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.20-6.20) adjusted for multiple confounders, with significant and increased odds ratio for the severe form of CAC (death: OR=3.70, 95%CI: 1.20-11.42; MV: OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.09-9.95). We concluded that CAC was an independent risk factor for death or MV in Covid-19 patients without previous heart disease, particularly for those with severe calcification. CAC can be easily visualized on common chest-CT, widely used in evaluation of moderate to severe Covid-19.

Association of coronary calcification with prognosis of Covid-19 patients without known heart disease

Risk factors that determine the severity of Covid-19 have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a risk factor for death or mechanical ventilation (MV) of patients without known heart disease infected with Covid-19. We analyzed 283 consecutive in-patients with acute respiratory symptoms with chest computed tomography (chest-CT), without previous heart disease, and criteria for Covid-19 (RT-PCR positive and/or typical clinical and chest-CT findings). CAC was classified by the number of coronary segments affected as absent (0), mild (1-3), and severe calcification (more than 3). The association between CAC, CAC severity, and death or MV due to severe respiratory failure was assessed by logistic regression. The mean age was 58.7±15.7 years and 54.1% were men. Patients with CAC were older, more likely to have hypertension, and less likely to be obese. CAC was present in 75 patients (26.5%), of which 42 had a mild calcification and 33 had severe calcification, and was associated with death (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.01-5.48) or MV (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.20-6.20) adjusted for multiple confounders, with significant and increased odds ratio for the severe form of CAC (death: OR=3.70, 95%CI: 1.20-11.42; MV: OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.09-9.95). We concluded that CAC was an independent risk factor for death or MV in Covid-19 patients without previous heart disease, particularly for those with severe calcification. CAC can be easily visualized on common chest-CT, widely used in evaluation of moderate to severe Covid-19.

Detection of border disease virus in Mexican cattle.

The genus Pestivirus within Flaviviridae is comprised of four recognized species, namely, bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 (BVDV-1), bovine viral diarrhoea virus 2 (BVDV-2), border disease virus (BDV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV). BDV, while primarily infecting sheep and goats, has also been reported in cattle and wild animals. Infections of sheep and goats result in economic loss due to abortions and the birth of persistently infected animals that have poor production and reduced life expectancy. In this study, we report the detection of BDV in cattle serum collected as part of pestivirus surveillance programme from six regions of Mexico, where a 67.1% of BVDV seroprevalence was calculated previously. Phylogenetic analyses based on comparison of the 5'UTR region typed the Mexican strains as BDV-1. Border disease (BD) is listed as an exotic disease in Mexico, and the origin of BDV found in these cattle is unclear. This is the first identification of BDV in Mexican cattle.

Compostos coordenados híbridos de platina no tratamento do câncer / Platinum hybrid coordinated compounds in cancertreatment

O câncer, ou neoplasia, é uma doença caracterizada pela propagação descontrolada de formas anormais das próprias células corporais e corresponde à segunda doença que mais causa mortes no mundo. A história da platina no tratamento do câncer teve início com a descoberta da sua atividade, em 1965, com a aprovação para uso clínico acontecendo apenas após 10 anos. Atualmente, os fármacos com platina estão entre os mais bem sucedidos agentes anticancerígenos, onde se destacam cisplatina (1), carboplatina (2) e oxaliplatina (3). Seus mecanismos de ação são similares: estes fármacos formam adutos com o DNA, impedindo a sua síntese e reparo, levando à morte celular. Contudo, os efeitos adversos desencadeados pelo tratamento e o desenvolvimento de resistência ao medicamento têm limitado suas aplicações. Uma das principais estratégias para a diminuição de tais efeitos consiste em alterar a estrutura destas moléculas, levando à formação de compostos híbridos, que se caracterizam pela presença de pelo menos dois fragmentos funcionais distintos em uma mesma molécula e podem apresentar maior espectro de atividade antitumoral. Dentre as alterações mais comuns encontram-se a modificação da solubilidade, através da inserção de grupos abandonadores mais ou menos hidrofóbicos e a introdução de ligantes com atividade biológica própria. Dessa forma, esta revisão visa verificar os avanços mais recentes na síntese de compostos híbridos de platina, bem como as melhorias na atividade anticâncer dos novos compostos platinados...

Cancer, or neoplasm, is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled propagation of abnormal cells of the body and is the second leading death-causing disease. The history of platinum in cancer treatment goes back to the discovery of its activity in 1965 and its approval for clinical use just 10 years later. Some of the most successful anticancer agents are Pt-based chemotherapeutics, among which cisplatin (1), carboplatin (2), and oxaliplatin (3) stand out. They have similar mechanisms of action: they form adducts with DNA, preventing its synthesis and repair and leading to cell death. However, adverse effects triggered by treatment and the development of resistance to these drugs have limited their application. One of the most important strategies to reduce such effects is to carry out structural modifications of these molecules, leading to hybrid compounds that are characterized by the presence of at least two distinct functional fragments on the same molecule and can exhibit a broader antitumor activity spectrum. Among the most typical modifications are changes to the solubility pattern, created by the insertion of leaving groups with high or low hydrophobicity, and the introduction of biologically active ligands as non-leaving groups. The purpose of these strategies is to obtain compounds capable of reducing systemic toxicity and/or overcoming acquired resistance factors to cisplatin. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the most recent advances in the synthesis of hybrid platinum compounds, as well as improvements in the anticancer activity of Pt-compounds...

Salvage therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), defined as Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to both isoniazid and rifampicin, is challenging under the best of circumstances, and particularly in resource-limited settings. For patients who remain persistently sputum-culture-positive despite therapy with second-line TB drugs, treatment options are limited, especially if disease is too advanced for resective surgery. Salvage therapy refers to the design of a regimen combining new and previously used drugs in a final effort to attain sputum conversion before declaring treatment to have failed. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of salvage therapy in 213 Peruvian patients. Salvage regimens included a median of two new drugs (range 1-6) and nine (range 5-13) total (new plus previously used) drugs. The most frequently used new drug was moxifloxacin, followed by capreomycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, kanamycin and clarithromycin. Culture conversion occurred in 65 (30.5%) patients. Salvage regimens that included moxifloxacin were significantly more likely to be followed by culture conversion (OR 2.2; p 0.02). Later-generation fluoroquinolones such as moxifloxacin should be used in salvage therapy but also in the initial treatment of MDR-TB, if the best clinical strategy is to use the most effective drugs when the patient has the best chance for cure. New TB drugs are most likely to be initially used in salvage patients, in conditions similar to those described here. Close bacteriological monitoring of these patients will be essential, as useful information about the best way to use these new drugs can be gained from analysis of salvage therapy cohorts.

Carga de la enfermedad atribuible al hipotiroidismo subclínico en la población española / Burden of illness attributable to subclinical hypothyroidism in the Spanish population

Introducción. El hipotiroidismo subclínico (HS) se ha asociado a enfermedades cardiovasculares, pero se desconoce la pérdida de salud que conlleva. Hemos evaluado la carga de enfermedad del HS en España. Pacientes y métodos. A partir de la prevalencia del HS en España obtenida de estudios internacionales, se llevó a cabo un modelo teórico que calculó los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad (AVAD), los años de vida perdidos (AVP), y las pérdidas de salud por discapacidad (AVD) asociados al HS. Las prevalencias de los factores de riesgo, el riesgo de mortalidad coronaria, y de episodios coronarios asociados al HS se obtuvieron de una revisión de la literatura. El análisis se llevó a cabo según la metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, utilizando fuentes oficiales españolas (registro de altas hospitalarias: conjunto mínimo básico de datos [CMBD], registro de mortalidad hospitalaria, etc.). Resultados. En España hay aproximadamente 2.767.124 personas con HS (1.949.820 con niveles de TSH entre 4,5 y 6,9mUI/l [70,5%], 538.988 con TSH entre 7 y 9,9mUI/l [19,5%], y 278.317 con TSH entre 10 y 19,9mUI/l [10%]). Estas personas con HS podrían sufrir 12.608 episodios cardiacos y 1.388 muertes cardiacas anuales, lo que representa 30.550 AVAD (13.124 AVP y 17.426 AVD). El HS puede representar entre el 1,6 y el 7,3% de los AVAD cardiovasculares. Conclusión. El HS es una condición silente que determina una enorme carga de enfermedad. La valoración del HS, al menos en los pacientes pertenecientes a grupos de riesgo, podría ser coste-efectiva (AU)

Introduction. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) has been associated recently to cardiovascular diseases. However, the loss of health it entails remains unknown. This study has assessed the burden of illness attributable to SH in Spain. Patients and methods. Based on the Spanish prevalence data found in international studies, a theoretical model was developed to estimate the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) associated with SH. Prevalence of risk factors, coronary mortality risk and coronary event risk associated with SH were obtained from a review of the literature. An analysis was conducted according to the World Health Organization methodology approach for these studies, using official Spanish sources (hospital discharge records, minimum basic data set [MBDS], inpatient mortality records, etc. Results. In Spain, approximately 2,767,124 people have SH, specifically 1,949,820 with levels of TSH between 4.5 and 6.9mIU/l (70.5%), 538,988 with levels between 7 and 9.9mIU/l (19.5%), and 278,317 between 10 and 19.9mIU/l (10%). These subjects suffer approximately 12,608 cardiac events and 1,388 deaths a year attributed to their SH. This represents 30,550 DALYs (13,124 YLL and 17,426 YLD). Between 1.6 and 7.3% of cardiovascular DALYs can be attributed to SH. Conclusion. SH is a silent disease which considerably increases the burden of disease. Evaluation of SH, at least in patients belonging to risk groups, could be cost-effective (AU)

Flow cytometry analysis with a new FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibody-3E12 for HLA-B*57:01 rapid screening in prevention of abacavir hypersensitivity in HIV-1-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Rapid screening for the detection of HLA-B*57:01 in the prevention of abacavir hypersensitivity in HIV-1-infected patients is a hallmark for clinical services. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to analyze the utility of flow cytometry with a new FITC-conjugated B-17 monoclonal antibody (mAb3E12) for HLA-B*57:01 screening in a Spanish cohort of 577 HIV-1+ individuals. METHODS: Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from HIV-1+ individuals were analyzed by flow cytometry with the mAb 3E12 that recognizes both HLA-B*57 and HLA-B*58 alleles (members of the group specificity, HLA-B17). Patients' DNA samples had been previously typed for HLA-B*57:01 with PCR-SSO or PCR-SSP and additional DNA sequencing (EPI Study). The results obtained by flow cytometry were compared with the results obtained by the DNA-PCR techniques. RESULTS: By flow cytometry, 46 samples (7.97%) were positive for HLA-B17, 530 (91.86%) were negative, and 1 (0.17%) was undetermined. All samples found negative by flow cytometry were negative for HLA-B*57:01 by DNA-PCR. Of the HLA-B17 positive samples, 31 (67.4%) were positive for HLA-B*57:01, 2 (3.25%) were positive for HLA-B*57:03, 11 (26.1%) were positive for HLA-B*58, and 2 (3.25%) were negative for both HLA-B*57 and HLA-B*58 antigens. The undetermined sample was negative for HLA-B*57 and HLA-B*58 alleles by DNA-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that flow cytometry with mAb3E12 is a highly sensitive method (no false negatives) to implement prior to DNA-PCR analysis for rapid screening of HLA-B*57:01. Additional confirmation by molecular HLA typing method would be required in less than 10% of the cohort of HIV-1-infected individuals.

Burden of illness attributable to subclinical hypothyroidism in the Spanish population.

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) has been associated recently to cardiovascular diseases. However, the loss of health it entails remains unknown. This study has assessed the burden of illness attributable to SH in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Based on the Spanish prevalence data found in international studies, a theoretical model was developed to estimate the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) associated with SH. Prevalence of risk factors, coronary mortality risk and coronary event risk associated with SH were obtained from a review of the literature. An analysis was conducted according to the World Health Organization methodology approach for these studies, using official Spanish sources (hospital discharge records, minimum basic data set [MBDS], inpatient mortality records, etc. RESULTS: In Spain, approximately 2,767,124 people have SH, specifically 1,949,820 with levels of TSH between 4.5 and 6.9mIU/l (70.5%), 538,988 with levels between 7 and 9.9mIU/l (19.5%), and 278,317 between 10 and 19.9mIU/l (10%). These subjects suffer approximately 12,608 cardiac events and 1,388 deaths a year attributed to their SH. This represents 30,550 DALYs (13,124 YLL and 17,426 YLD). Between 1.6 and 7.3% of cardiovascular DALYs can be attributed to SH. CONCLUSION: SH is a silent disease which considerably increases the burden of disease. Evaluation of SH, at least in patients belonging to risk groups, could be cost-effective.

Persistencia del collar venoso renal / Persistence of renal venous collar

El desarrollo del sistema venoso cava es bastante complejo, pudiendo producirse innumerables variaciones de los padrones anatómicos ya conocidos, siendo algunos más frecuentes y otros de rara incidencia. De estas variaciones, puede ocurrir una en que se forma un anillo vascular en torno de la aorta, constituído por una vena renal pre-aórtica y otra retro-aórtica, desembocando a un nivel más bajo en la vena cava inferior (VCI), una disposición llamada "collar venoso renal", que consiste en la persistencia de las anastomosis intersupracardinales e intersubcardinales embrionarias. En la variación presentada en este artículo, la disposición de los vasos corresponde a un tipo de la clasificación mencionada en la literatura, con excepción de la emergencia independiente de los componentes pre y retroaórtico del collar referido, a partir del hilio renal y del calibre distal de la vena renal retroaórtica. La vena renal preaórtica tenía 90 mm de longitud y 20 mm de calibre en su parte terminal, desembocando en la VCI a nivel del tercio inferior de la vértebra L1. La vena renal retroaórtica tenía 125 mm de longitud, cruzando las vértebras L1 y L2 para desembocar en la VCI a nivel del tercio superior de L3, donde se registró un diámetro terminal de 14 mm. La disposición presentada, es una variación potencialmente peligrosa de la vena renal izquierda, importante de recalcar su presencia, ya que ha sido relatado que en cirugías retroperitoneales no se ha identificado el componente dorsal, produciendo hemorragia profusa, nefrectomía innecesaria y hasta la muerte.

The development of the cava venous system is very complex, taking place to the raising of innumerous variations of the anatomical patterns already known, which could be more or less common and others, still, of rare incidence. One of these anomalies may occur in a low frequency on the left side, forming a vascular ring around the aorta constituted by a preaortic renal vein and other retro-aortic renal vein, entering in a lower level of the VCI, in a condition called as " Renal Collar" consisted of persistence of the Intersupracardial embrionary anastomoses. In this case report, the vascular disposition corresponds to a type of the classification as related in literature, with exception of the independent emergency of the preaortic and retro-aortic components of the circum-aortic collar from the renal hilum and the distal diameter of the retroaortic renal vein. The preaortic vein had 90 mm of length, diameter of 20 mm in its end and led into the VCI on the lower level of L1. The retroaortic vein measured 125 mm of length, crossing L1 and L2 to discharge in the VCI, to the upper level of L3, where it had diameter of 14 mm. The importance of the study and description of the circumaortic renal collar is due to it representing a potentially hazardous anomaly of the left renal vein, occurring case reports where failure to recognize the dorsal component during retroperitoneal surgery may lead to abundant hemorrhage after inadvertent injury, unnecessary nephrectomy or, even death.

The prevalence of dysphonia, its association with immunomediated diseases and correlation with biochemical markers.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with autoimmune diseases may suffer from hoarseness and voice disorders because of anatomical and functional alterations. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of dysphonia in rheumatic patients and its impact on their quality of life (QOL). To analyze the association of voice disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjögren syndrome (SS). To determine if voice disorders during the acute phase of these diseases are correlated with specific biochemical parameters. METHODS: Present an observational and transverse analytic study of 140 patients selected from February 2009 to January 2010. The subjects (80) were diagnosed with RA (44), SLE (32), and SS (4), and the control group (60) presented no voice disorders or rheumatic diseases. Patients were evaluated using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and a three items outcome scale (TIOS). A biochemical and C-reactive protein study was performed on 40 patients with a disease outbreak, measuring their complement, sedimentation velocity (VSG), and anti-DNA antibodies. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysphonia among the subjects was 32-38% as opposed to 5-8% in the control group. The rheumatic patients presented an odds ratio (OR) for dysphonia of 2.82 (VHI) and 5.04 (TIOS) when compared with healthy individuals (P<0.05). We found statistically significant differences in functional, physical, occupational, and emotional subscales of these tests. No significant differences were found when studying the biochemical parameters. A higher incidence of voice disorders (OR=3.07) was associated with SLE, followed by RA (OR=2.8; 95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic immunomediated diseases may associate voice disorders. Patients with SLE are those who develop these disorders more frequently. The biochemical parameters most affected during a crisis are VSG and anti-DNA antibodies.

Prevalence of HLA-B*5701 in HIV-infected patients in Spain (results of the EPI Study).

BACKGROUND: A hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) is associated with abacavir (ABC), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Genetic association of ABC HSR with the presence of HLA-B*5701 has been demonstrated in PREDICT-1 study, showing a prevalence of 5.6% in HIV-infected population. However the prevalence of this allele in HIV-infected patients in Spain has not been established yet. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study that included 1,198 patients in 74 centers that serve the HIV-infected population of Spain. HLA-B*5701 was checked both in the hospital lab and one central lab, showing an overall prevalence of this allele of 6%. RESULTS: HLA-B*5701 was most prevalent in Caucasian population (6.5%). Concordance between the local and central lab was very high for positive and negative results (95.7% and 99.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: These aspects define this test as a useful tool for the management of HIV-infected patients.

[Oat-cell carcinoma of the esophagus: presentation of two cases and literature review]. / Carcinoma oat-cell de esófago: presentación de dos casos y actualización bibliográfica.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to contribute an updated view on a condition as rare as oat-cell carcinoma of the esophagus by reviewing the literature and reporting two recent patients seen in our department. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study with a review of all medical records of patients seen in our ward and diagnosed with esophageal neoplasm for 6 years (January 2000 to December 2006). RESULTS: 249 cases of esophageal neoplasms were found, of them 106 were of squamous ancestry (42.6%), 141 were adenocarcinomas (56.6%), and 2 were oat-cell carcinomas (0.8%). Only in 45 (18%) was surgical resection feasible, 23 underwent palliative surgery (endoprostheses, gastrostomies, and jejunostomies not included) (9.3%), and the rest (181 cases, 72.7%) received derivative surgery or no surgery at all. CONCLUSIONS: We can affirm that this neoplasm is highly aggressive, displaying in practically all cases dissemination to other sites; this is a rare cancer that mainly affects men and whose clinical picture is similar to that of other malignancies involving the esophagus.

Carcinoma oat-cell de esófago: presentación de dos casos y actualización bibliográfica / Oat-cell carcinoma of the esophagus: Presentation of two cases and literature update

Objetivo: nuestro objetivo es aportar una visión actualizadasobre una patología tan infrecuente como el carcinoma oat-cellesofágico, mediante revisión de la bibliografía y la exposición dedos casos de reciente aparición en nuestro servicio.Material y método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo conrevisión de las historias clínicas de los pacientes ingresados ennuestro servicio con el diagnóstico de neoplasia esofágica en losúltimos 6 años (enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2006).Resultados: se estudiaron 249 casos de neoplasias de esófagoen el curso de este periodo de 6 años, de ellas 106 fueron deestirpe epidermoide (42,6%), 141 adenocarcinomas (56,6%) y 2oat-cell (0,8%). Del total de estos tumores sólo en 45 (18%) deellos se pudo realizar resección quirúrgica, en 23 (9,3%) cirugíapaliativa (no se incluyen prótesis endoscópicas, gastrostomías niyeyunostomías) y en el resto (181 casos, 72,7%) cirugía derivativao ninguna opción quirúrgica.Conclusiones: podemos afirmar que esta neoplasia es altamenteagresiva, presentando en prácticamente la totalidad de los casosdiseminación a otras localizaciones. Se trata de un cáncer muy pocofrecuente que afecta mayoritariamente a varones y cuya clínica es similaral resto de procesos neoplásicos que afectan al esófago

Objective: our objective is to contribute an updated view on acondition as rare as oat-cell carcinoma of the esophagus by reviewingthe literature and reporting two recent patients seen in our department.Material and method: a retrospective study with a review ofall medical records of patients seen in our ward and diagnosed withesophageal neoplasm for 6 years (January 2000 to December2006).Results: 249 cases of esophageal neoplasms were found, ofthem 106 were of squamous ancestry (42.6%), 141 were adenocarcinomas(56.6%), and 2 were oat-cell carcinomas (0.8%). Onlyin 45 (18%) was surgical resection feasible, 23 underwent palliativesurgery (endoprostheses, gastrostomies, and jejunostomies not included)(9.3%), and the rest (181 cases, 72.7%) received derivativesurgery or no surgery at all.Conclusions: we can affirm that this neoplasm is highly aggressive,displaying in practically all cases dissemination to othersites; this is a rare cancer that mainly affects men and whose clinicalpicture is similar to that of other malignancies involving theesophagus

Aspectos anatómicos y biométricos de los puentes de miocardio y sus Relaciones con la arteria interventricular anterior y venas adyacentes / Anatomical and biometrica aspects of the myocardial bridges and its Relationships with the anterior interventricular artery and adjacent veins

RESUMEN: Los vasos cardíacos pueden estar parcialmente cubiertos por puentes de miocardio, disposición que ha sido objeto de numerosos estudios. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la incidencia de estos puentes, su extensión y sobre que vasos se disponen, considerando principalmente las relaciones con los vasos interventriculares anteriores. El material estudiado fueron 30 corazones de individuos adultos, brasileños, fijados en formaldehído al 10 %. Se encontraron puentes de miocardio en 14 muestras (47 %) y de éstos, en 9 se localizaron por sobre la arteria interventricular anterior; en 3 casos se ubicaron simultáneamente sobre la arteria mencionada y sobre afluentes de la vena homónima; en 1 corazón puentes de miocardio se presentaron por sobre ramas ventriculares izquierdas de la arteria y vena interventricular posterior, como también en 1 muestra estuvo por sobre una rama ventricular anterior de la arteria coronaria derecha. Los puentes se localizaron principalmente en la parte proximal y media del surco interventricular anterior. La extensión de los puentes encontrados varió entre 9 y 55 mm, con un promedio de 24,5. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos la incidencia de estas formaciones musculares es alta, localizándose generalmente sobre la arteria interventricular anterior y en porcentajes menores sobre venas adyacentes.

Relationship of bacterioplankton production with primary production and respiration in a shallow estuarine system (Ria de Aveiro, NW Portugal).

The response of bacterial growth to phytoplankton production and planktonic respiration (RESP) variation was examined over different stations and dates in the shallow estuarine system Ria de Aveiro. The temporal and spatial profiles of bacterial productivity (2.7-744.2mg Cm(-3)d(-1)) did not coincide with those of primary production (PP) (0.2-19.1 g Cm(-3)d(-1)) and RESP (0.1-8.2 g Cm(-3) d(-1)). The bacterioplankton production/PP ratio varied differently, depending on the season and location. The heterotrophic zones, with the lowest values of PP, exhibited the most intense bacterial secondary production. Moreover, the variation of PP in the system was rather small when compared with that of bacterial secondary production. These suggest that, in a large extension of the lagoon and throughout the year, bacterioplankton growth is largely dependent on non-phytoplanktonic carbon sources. Benthic PP and/or allochtonous organic matter from land have a fundamental role in the dynamics of the planktonic compartment of the estuarine system.

Topografía y Biometría del Sistema Venoso Coronario y de sus tributarias / Topography and Biometry of the Coronary Venous System and its Tributaries

El seno coronario es la principal terminación de las venas cardiacas, recibiendo toda su sangre, excepto aquella conducida por las venas cardíacas anteriores y venas cardíacas mínimas.Está localizado en la porción posterior del surco coronario, entre el atrio y ventrículo izquierdos. Sus afluentes directos son las vv cardiacas magna (VCM), media (VCMe), parva (VCP), oblicua del atrio izquierdo (VOAI) y posteriores del ventrículo izquierdo (VPVI). Estudiamos el seno coronario y sus afluentes en 26 corazones de cadáveres de individuos brasileños, adultos, de ambos sexos, con el propósito de obtener datos biométricos del mismo. El calibre en la parte central del tercio izquierdo del seno coronario varió entre 4 y 10 mm, con un promedio de 6,34mm; el del tercio medio varió entre 7 y 14 mm, con un promedio de 9,13mm y en el tercio derecho, a nivel de su desembocadura, varió entre 5 y 16 mm con promedio de 9,28mm. Su longitud se ubicó entre 27 y 54 mm, con un promedio de 40,3 mm. En todos los corazones la VCM se continuó con el extremo izquierdo del seno coronario. En 22 de ellos (84,6%), la VOAI desembocó en su tercio izquierdo y en los 4 restantes ésta estuvo ausente. El seno coronario recibió la vena marginal izquierda en 3 casos (11,5%). En todos los casos, la VCMe desembocó en el tercio derecho del seno. En 16 casos (61,5%) alguna VPVI desembocó en su tercio izquierdo.De éstos, hubo una VPVI en 10 corazones (38,5%), dos VPVI en 4 (15,3%) y tres VPVI en 2 (7,7%). En 23 corazones (88,5%), alguna VPVI lo hizo en su tercio medio y de estos casos, una VPVI terminó en 15 (57,7%) y dos VPVI en los 8 restantes (30,8%). En 21 casos (80,8%) alguna VPVI terminó en su tercio derecho y de éstos, se observó una VPVI en 14 corazones (53,9%), dos en 5 (19,2%) y tres en 2 (7,7%). La biometría del seno coronario es muy variable, así como la disposición de sus tributarias, por lo que esperamos que los datos obtenidos sirvan de soporte morfológico a la anatomía ...

The coronary sinus (SC) is the main end of the cardiac veins, being the principal vein of the heart, draining all its blood, except that driven by the anterior cardiac veins and the minimum cardiac veins. Its location is well-defined in the posterior portion of the coronary sulcus between left atrium and ventricle. Its direct tributaries are the cardiac veins: magna (VCM), media (VCMe), parva (VCP), oblique of the left atrium (VOAE), posterior veins of the left ventricle (VPVE). The diameter in the middle of the distal third of the coronary sinus ranged from 4 to 10 mm (mean 6,34 mm); about its medium third, such value ranged from 7 to 14 mm (mean 9,13 mm) and in its proximal third, its diameter ranged from 5 to 16 mm (mean 9,28 mm). Its length ranged from 27 to 54 mm (mean 40,3 mm). In 26 hearts (100 % of the cases), the VCM continued into the SC in its left side; in 22 cases (84,6%), the VOAE flowed into its left third; in the remaining 4 (15,4%), it was absent; The SC received the left marginal vein in 3 hearts (11,5%). In 26 cases (100%), the VCMe discharged in the right extremity of the SC; in 16 hearts (61,5%), some VPVE drained into the left third of the SC, in these there was 1 VPVE in 10 (38,5%), 2 VPVE in 4 (15,3%) and 3 VPVE in 2 (7,7%). In 23 hearts (88,5%), some VPVE discharged in the middle third of the SC; in these, there was 1 VPVE in 15 cases (57,7%) and 2 VPVE in 8 (30,8%). In 21 hearts (80,8%), some VPVE drained into the right third of the SC, in these, there was 1 VPVE in 14 (53,9%), 2 VPVE in 5 (19,2%), 3 VPVE in 2 (7,7 %). One of the most polemic aspects in the study of the coronary sinus is its own biometry, contributing to this divergence the absence of a standart location to its beginning and a pattern on tributaries disposition.

Peripheral neuropathy associated with treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the incidence and management of peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving therapy for MDR-TB. METHODS: A case series with retrospective chart review of 75 patients who initiated individualized therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Lima, Peru, between 1 August 1996 and 31 January 1999. RESULTS: All patients had confirmed MDR-TB and were receiving individualized therapy, comprised of an average of six drugs. Ten (13%) of these patients presented with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, confirmed by electromyography. All symptoms were reported in the lower extremities, and all were sensory in nature. Median time to presentation from initiation of MDR-TB therapy was 9.1 months. No significant risk factors associated with development of peripheral neuropathy were identified. Management strategies depended on the severity of symptoms and included the treatment of contributing co-morbidities, medications for neuropathic pain, and adjustment of doses of possible offending agents. All patients responded to management; three patients were left with mild residual symptoms. Patients whose neuropathy resolved had symptoms for a median of 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral neuropathy was encountered in 13% of our cohort of MDR-TB patients. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy can be based on clinical presentation alone, and effective management of this side-effect is possible without sacrificing MDR-TB treatment efficacy.