[Neurological evolution in traumatic spinal cord injury according to the size of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage]. / Evolución neurológica en la lesión medular traumática en función del tamaño de la hemorragia intraparenquimatosa.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The presence of spinal cord hemorrhage is considered as a poor prognostic factor in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). However, it has been suggested in published works that the prognosis of small hemorrhages is not so negative. The aim of this paper is to assess the neurological evolution in individuals with intraparenchymal hemorrhage according to its size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study. Selected all the patients admitted for acute traumatic SCI between 2010 and 2018 with early magnetic resonance study and spinal cord hemorrhage. Two groups were established depending on the size of the bleeding: microhemorrhages (less than 4mm) and macrohemorrhages (greater than 4mm). The neurological examination at admission and discharge was compared according to the AIS grade and the motor score (MS). RESULTS: Forty-six cases collected, 17 microhemorrhages and 29 macrohemorrhages. 70.6% of the microhemorrhages were AIS A while among macrohemorrhages the percentage was 89.6%. At the time of discharge, an improvement in the AIS grade was observed in 40.0% of the microhemorrhages compared to 4.0% of the macrohemorrhages (P=.008). Initial MS was similar, 45.2±22.2 in the microhemorrhages and 40.9±20.4 in the macrohemorrhages (P=.459), but at discharge it was higher in the first group: 60.4±20.5 for 42.7±22.8 (P=.033). Eight patients (17.4%) died during admission. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between the size of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage and the neurological prognosis of SCI, with hemorrhages smaller than 4mm presenting a better evolution.

Valor pronóstico de la resonancia magnética precoz en la morbilidad y mortalidad de la lesión medular traumática / Prognostic value of early magnetic resonance imaging in the morbidity and mortality of traumatic spinal cord injury

Objetivo Valorar en individuos con lesión medular traumática (LMT) la relación en re la mortalidad y la necesidad de UCI y las alteraciones objetivadas mediante resonancia magnética (RM) precoz, analizando alteraciones parenquimatosas, disrupción de ligamentos vertebrales (DLV) y compresión del cordón medular (CCM). Diseño Estudio retrospectivo. Ámbito Hospital de tercer nivel, unidad de lesionados medulares y UCI. Pacientes Individuos con LMT aguda entre los años 2010 y 2019. Intervenciones Análisis de RM realizada en las primeras 72horas. Variables de interés Ingreso en UCI y mortalidad. Resultados Recogidos 269 casos. El patrón que se asoció a una mayor mortalidad fue la hemorragia (16,7%) por 12,5% de los edemas a un nivel y 6,5% de los edemas a múltiples niveles (p=0,125). Lo mismo aconteció con los ingresos en UCI: 69,0% en hemorragia por 60,2% en edema múltiple y 46,3% en edemas cortos (p=0,018). Con respecto a la CCM, la mortalidad fue del 13,4% con 59,2% de ingresos en UCI por 2,2% y 42,2% de quienes no presentaban compresión (p=0,020 y p=0,003). Las cifras de éxitus e ingreso en UCI en los individuos con DLV fueron del 15,0% y el 67,3%, respectivamente, por un 6,2% y 44,4% de los individuos sin DLV (p<0,001 y p=0,013). Conclusiones La presencia de hemorragia medular, CCM y DLV se asoció a una mayor necesidad de UCI. Existe un significativo aumento de la mortalidad en los casos con CCM y DLV (AU)

Objective To assess in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) the relationship between mortality and need for ICU and early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), analyzing spinal parenchymal alterations, disruption of vertebral ligaments (DVL) and spinal cord compression (SCC). Design Retrospective study. Setting Third-level hospital, Spinal Cord Injury Unit and ICU. Patients Individuals with acute TSCI between 2010 and 2019. Interventio Analysis of MRI performed in the first 72h. Variables of interest Admission to ICU and mortality. Results 269 cases collected. The pattern that demonstrated higher mortality was cord hemorrhage (16.7%) for 12.5% of single-level edema and 6.5% of multilevel edema (p=0.125). The same happened with ICU admissions: 69.0% in hemorrhage, 60.2% in multilevel edema and 46.3% in short edema (p=0.018). Analyzing CCM, mortality was 13.4% with 59.2% of ICU admissions, for 2.2% and 42.2% of individuals without cord compression (p=0.020 and p=0.003). The figures of death and ICU admission among cord injuries with DVL were 15.0% and 67.3%, for 6.2% and 44.4% of the individuals without DLV (p<0.001 and p=0.013). Conclusions The presence of spinal cord hemorrhage, SCC and DVL was associated with a higher admission in ICU. A significant increase in mortality was observed in cases with SCC and DVL (AU)

Th22 response induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is closely related to severity of pulmonary lesions and bacillary load in patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.

The role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in the pathogenesis or tissue repair in human tuberculosis (TB) remains to be established. Here, we aimed to explore the ex-vivo and in-vitro T helper 22 (Th22) response in TB patients and healthy donors (HD) induced by different local multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Mvcobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from drug-susceptible (S-TB) MDR-TB patients and HD were stimulated with local MDR strains and the laboratory strain H37Rv. IL-22 and IL-17 expression and senescent status were assessed in CD4+ and CD8+ cells by flow cytometry, while IL-22 amount was measured in plasma and culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found lower IL-22 amounts in plasma from TB patients than HD, together with a decrease in the number of circulating T cells expressing IL-22. In a similar manner, all Mtb strains enhanced IL-22 secretion and expanded IL-22+ cells within CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, being the highest levels detected in S-TB patients. In MDR-TB, low systemic and Mtb-induced Th22 responses associated with high sputum bacillary load and bilateralism of lung lesions, suggesting that Th22 response could be influencing the ability of MDR-TB patients to control bacillary growth and tissue damage. In addition, in MDR-TB patients we observed that the higher the percentage of IL-22+ cells, the lower the proportion of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ or CD57+ T cells. Furthermore, the highest proportion of senescent T cells was associated with severe lung lesions and bacillary load. Thus, T cell senescence would markedly influence Th22 response mounted by MDR-TB patients.

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in childhood and adolescence in Galicia, Spain: report of the last 26-years.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury in children of Galicia (Spain). DESIGN: Descriptive and retrospective study. METHODS: Data extracted from the internal registry of the Spinal Cord Injury Unit and the patient's medical records, between March 1988 and December 2014. Inclusion criteria: patients aged ≤ 17 years with a traumatic spinal cord injury.Outcome measures: Total patients, percentages, incidence, ASIA scale results and improvement. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included. The incidence was 5.6 cases/1,000,000 inhabitants/year. The mean age was 14.4 years (median: 16). Only 25% were younger than 15. Male patients accounted for 73.5% of the total. The main cause were traffic accidents (60.3%; n = 41), being higher (77.8%) in children ≤ 10 years. Other etiologies included falls (19.1%), diving accidents (16.2%) and other causes (4.4%). Eleven patients (16.2%) had injuries classified as SCIWORA, 8 (72.7%) of them aged ≤ 10 years. The mean age of the SCIWORA group was 7.5 years versus 15.7 years in the non-SCIWORA group (P < 0.001). Half (50%) of these patients had a complete spinal cord injury and, of these, 64.6% were paraplegic. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic spinal cord injuries are rare in children, and most cases occur between 15 and 17 years. Unlike in adults, SCIs in children mostly involve the thoracic spine. Most patients aged ≤ 10 years have SCIWORA. The most common etiology continues to be traffic accidents, although sports accidents prevail among adolescent patients.

Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 2 / Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 2

El objetivo en el tratamiento de la lesión medular aguda traumática es preservar la función neurológica residual, evitar el daño secundario, y restaurar la alineación y la estabilidad de la columna. En esta segunda parte proporcionaremos un enfoque en el tratamiento de la lesión medular en cuestiones relativas al manejo respiratorio a corto plazo, donde es prioritaria la preservación de la función diafragmática, así como la posibilidad de predecir la duración de la ventilación mecánica y la necesidad de traqueostomía. Abordaremos la valoración quirúrgica de las lesiones de columna en función de unos criterios de tratamiento actualizados, teniendo en cuenta que, aunque el tipo de intervención depende del equipo quirúrgico, en el momento actual el tratamiento implica descompresión y estabilización precoz. En el tratamiento integral del paciente con lesión medular es fundamental identificar y tratar adecuadamente el dolor asociado a la lesión medular, así como la ansiedad, al igual que prevenir y diagnosticar precozmente complicaciones secundarias a la afectación que la lesión medular ocasiona en todos los sistemas del organismo (enfermedad tromboembólica, alteraciones gastrointestinales, afectación del sistema urinario, úlceras por presión) (AU)

The aim of treatment in acute traumatic spinal cord injury is to preserve residual neurologic function, avoid secondary injury, and restore spinal alignment and stability. In this second part of the review, we describe the management of spinal cord injury focusing on issues related to short-term respiratory management, where the preservation of diaphragmatic function is a priority, with prediction of the duration of mechanical ventilation and the need for tracheostomy. Surgical assessment of spinal injuries based on updated criteria is discussed, taking into account that although the type of intervention depends on the surgical team, nowadays treatment should afford early spinal decompression and stabilization. Within a comprehensive strategy in spinal cord injury, it is essential to identify and properly treat patient anxiety and pain associated to spinal cord injury, as well as to prevent and ensure the early diagnosis of complications secondary to spinal cord injury (thromboembolic disease, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, pressure ulcers) (AU)

Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 1 / Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 1

La lesión medular traumática precisa una acción multidisciplinar, tanto para el tratamiento especializado de la fase aguda como para las complicaciones secundarias. La sospecha y/o el diagnóstico de una lesión medular es el primer paso para establecer un tratamiento correcto. En esta revisión se aborda el manejo en la fase prehospitalaria y los aspectos característicos de la fase aguda. La monitorización respiratoria para una intubación selectiva precoz, la identificación y el tratamiento correcto del shock neurogénico son fundamentales para la prevención del daño medular secundario. En la actualidad el uso de esteroides no es un estándar en el tratamiento neuroprotector, siendo el control hemodinámico y la descompresión quirúrgica precoz pilares fundamentales. La lesión medular traumática generalmente se presenta en el contexto de un politraumatismo que puede dificultar el diagnóstico. El examen neurológico y la selección adecuada de pruebas radiológicas evitan que pase desapercibida la lesión medular y otras lesiones asociadas, y ayudan a establecer el pronóstico

Traumatic spinal cord injury requires a multidisciplinary approach both for specialized treatment of the acute phase and for dealing with the secondary complications. A suspicion or diagnosis of spinal cord injury is the first step for a correct management. A review is made of the prehospital management and characteristics of the acute phase of spinal cord injury. Respiratory monitoring for early selective intubation, proper identification and treatment of neurogenic shock are essential for the prevention of secondary spinal cord injury. The use of corticosteroids is currently not a standard practice in neuroprotective treatment, and hemodynamic monitoring and early surgical decompression constitute the cornerstones of adequate management. Traumatic spinal cord injury usually occurs as part of multiple trauma, and this can make diagnosis difficult. Neurological examination and correct selection of radiological exams prevent delayed diagnosis of spinal cord injuries, and help to establish the prognosis

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in Galicia, Spain: trends over a 20-year period.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational study with prospective and retrospective monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), and to analyze its epidemiological changes. SETTING: Unidad de Lesionados Medulares, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, in Galicia (Spain). METHODS: The study included patients with TSCI who had been hospitalized between January 1995 and December 2014. Relevant data were extracted from the admissions registry and electronic health record. RESULTS: A total of 1195 patients with TSCI were admitted over the specified period of time; 76.4% male and 23.6% female. Mean patient age at injury was 50.20 years. Causes of injury were falls (54.2%), traffic accidents (37%), sports/leisure-related accidents (3.5%) and other traumatic causes (5.3%). Mean patient age increased significantly over time (from 46.40 to 56.54 years), and the number of cases of TSCI related to traffic accidents decreased (from 44.5% to 23.7%), whereas those linked to falls increased (from 46.9% to 65.6%). The most commonly affected neurological level was the cervical level (54.9%), increasing in the case of levels C1-C4 over time, and the most frequent ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) grade was A (44.3%). The crude annual incidence rate was 2.17/100 000 inhabitants, decreasing significantly over time at an annual percentage rate change of -1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of TSCI tends to decline progressively. Mean patient age has increased over time and cervical levels C1-C4 are currently the most commonly affected ones. These epidemiological changes will eventually result in adjustments in the standard model of care for TSCI.

Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 1. / Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 1.

Traumatic spinal cord injury requires a multidisciplinary approach both for specialized treatment of the acute phase and for dealing with the secondary complications. A suspicion or diagnosis of spinal cord injury is the first step for a correct management. A review is made of the prehospital management and characteristics of the acute phase of spinal cord injury. Respiratory monitoring for early selective intubation, proper identification and treatment of neurogenic shock are essential for the prevention of secondary spinal cord injury. The use of corticosteroids is currently not a standard practice in neuroprotective treatment, and hemodynamic monitoring and early surgical decompression constitute the cornerstones of adequate management. Traumatic spinal cord injury usually occurs as part of multiple trauma, and this can make diagnosis difficult. Neurological examination and correct selection of radiological exams prevent delayed diagnosis of spinal cord injuries, and help to establish the prognosis.

Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 2. / Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 2.

The aim of treatment in acute traumatic spinal cord injury is to preserve residual neurologic function, avoid secondary injury, and restore spinal alignment and stability. In this second part of the review, we describe the management of spinal cord injury focusing on issues related to short-term respiratory management, where the preservation of diaphragmatic function is a priority, with prediction of the duration of mechanical ventilation and the need for tracheostomy. Surgical assessment of spinal injuries based on updated criteria is discussed, taking into account that although the type of intervention depends on the surgical team, nowadays treatment should afford early spinal decompression and stabilization. Within a comprehensive strategy in spinal cord injury, it is essential to identify and properly treat patient anxiety and pain associated to spinal cord injury, as well as to prevent and ensure the early diagnosis of complications secondary to spinal cord injury (thromboembolic disease, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, pressure ulcers).

The IL-17A rs2275913 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with protection to tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in Argentina.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes nearly 10 millions of new tuberculosis disease cases annually. However, most individuals exposed to Mtb do not develop tuberculosis, suggesting the influence of a human genetic component. Here, we investigated the association of the rs2275913 SNP (G → A) from IL-17A and tuberculosis in Argentina by a case-control study. Furthermore, we evaluated in vitro the functional relevance of this SNP during the immune response of the host against Mtb and analyzed its impact on clinical parameters of the disease. We found an association between the AA genotype and tuberculosis resistance. Additionally, within the healthy donors population, AA cells stimulated with a Mtb lysate (Mtb-Ag) produced the highest amounts of IL-17A and IFN-γ, which further support the genetic evidence found. In contrast, within the tuberculosis patients population, AA Mtb-Ag stimulated cells showed the lowest immunological parameters and we evidenced an association between the AA genotype and clinical parameters of disease severity, such as severe radiological lesions and higher bacilli burden in sputum. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the AA genotype from the IL-17A rs2275913 SNP is positively associated with protection to active tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in the Argentinean population.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis multi-drug-resistant strain M induces IL-17+ IFNγ- CD4+ T cell expansion through an IL-23 and TGF-ß-dependent mechanism in patients with MDR-TB tuberculosis.

We have reported previously that T cells from patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) express high levels of interleukin (IL)-17 in response to the MDR strain M (Haarlem family) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Herein, we explore the pathways involved in the induction of Th17 cells in MDR-TB patients and healthy tuberculin reactors [purified protein derivative healthy donors (PPD+ HD)] by the M strain and the laboratory strain H37Rv. Our results show that IL-1ß and IL-6 are crucial for the H37Rv and M-induced expansion of IL-17+ interferon (IFN)-γ- and IL-17+ IFN-γ+ in CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB and PPD+ HD. IL-23 plays an ambiguous role in T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 profiles: alone, IL-23 is responsible for M. tuberculosis-induced IL-17 and IFN-γ expression in CD4+ T cells from PPD+ HD whereas, together with transforming growth factor (TGF-ß), it promotes IL-17+ IFN-γ- expansion in MDR-TB. In fact, spontaneous and M. tuberculosis-induced TGF-ß secretion is increased in cells from MDR-TB, the M strain being the highest inducer. Interestingly, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 signalling mediates the expansion of IL-17+ IFN-γ- cells and the enhancement of latency-associated protein (LAP) expression in CD14+ and CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB, which suggests that the M strain promotes IL-17+ IFN-γ- T cells through a strong TLR-2-dependent TGF-ß production by antigen-presenting cells and CD4+ T cells. Finally, CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB patients infected with MDR Haarlem strains show higher IL-17+ IFN-γ- and lower IL-17+ IFN-γ+ levels than LAM-infected patients. The present findings deepen our understanding of the role of IL-17 in MDR-TB and highlight the influence of the genetic background of the infecting M. tuberculosis strain on the ex-vivo Th17 response.

Sexual satisfaction in women with spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Structured interview based on a predesigned survey. OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors that affect the degree of sexual satisfaction in a sample of women with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: The study participants were women with SCIs, from the area of the SCI Unit of A Coruña, a reference unit for the Community of Galicia in the northwest of Spain. All study participants were selected consecutively in the outpatient clinic in 2013. METHODS: The study included women with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A-D spinal injuries, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who completed rehabilitation therapy and live in the community. A total of 32 women formed the final study group. RESULTS: When comparing the group of women who were sexually active with those who were not, variables such as age, neurological level, time since the SCI, ASIA or Spinal Cord Independence Measure score, urinary incontinence, chronic pain and spasticity were not related to sexual activity. The only factors that we found to be related to sexual activity were not having a stable partner (P=0.017) and a lack of sensation in the genital area (P=0.039). CONCLUSION: The only variables related to sexual activity were not having a partner and a lack of sensation in the genital area. Improving sexual satisfaction, information and specific programs during rehabilitation can help women with SCI explore and investigate new erotic possibilities, thereby improving their self-esteem and social relationships.

CD4(+) CD25(high) forkhead box protein 3(+) regulatory T lymphocytes suppress interferon-γ and CD107 expression in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from tuberculous pleural effusions.

Tuberculous pleural effusion is characterized by a T helper type 1 (Th1) profile, but an excessive Th1 response may also cause tissue damage that might be controlled by regulatory mechanisms. In the current study we investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg ) in the modulation of Th1 responses in patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy. Using flow cytometry we evaluated the proportion of Treg (CD4(+) CD25(high) forkhead box protein 3(+) ), interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 expression and CD107 degranulation in peripheral blood (PB) and pleural fluid (PF) from patients with TB pleurisy. We demonstrated that the proportion of CD4(+) CD25(+) , CD4(+) CD25(high) FoxP3(+) and CD8(+) CD25(+) cells were increased in PF compared to PB samples. Mycobacterium tuberculosis stimulation increased the proportion of CD4(+) CD25(low/neg) IL-10(+) in PB and CD4(+) CD25(low/neg) IFN-γ(+) in PF; meanwhile, CD25(high) mainly expressed IL-10 in both compartments. A high proportion of CD4(+) CD107(+) and CD8(+) CD107(+) cells was observed in PF. Treg depletion enhanced the in-vitro M. tuberculosis-induced IFN-γ and CD4(+) and CD8(+) degranulation responses and decreased CD4(+) IL-10(+) cells in PF. Our results demonstrated that in TB pleurisy Treg cells effectively inhibit not only IFN-γ expression but also the ability of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells to degranulate in response to M. tuberculosis.

Trombosis venosa profunda en la lesión medular traumática aguda / Deep vein thrombosis in acute traumatic spinal cord injury

Objetivo. Describir y analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos de la trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) en pacientes con lesión medular traumática aguda. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo donde se incluyeron los pacientes ingresados en nuestra unidad, durante el período comprendido entre los años 1999 y 2010. Los datos recogidos se trataron mediante el análisis informático SPSS®. Resultados. De un total de 751 pacientes, 45 presentaron TVP con una incidencia del 6%. Veinticuatro pacientes presentaron tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) asociado (53,3%). El 69,8% presentaban lesión medular (LM) completa y el 57,2% eran parapléjicos. El tiempo de evolución medio desde la lesión hasta el diagnóstico de TVP fue de 48 días. La estancia media fue de 189 días frente a 135 de los que no desarrollaron TVP (p<0,001). No habían iniciado sedestación el 64,4%. El 15,6% presentaron concomitantemente osificación paraarticular (OPA). El 60% presentaban algún factor de riesgo sobreañadido para desarrollar TVP, siendo los más frecuentes: fracturas de miembros inferiores (MMII) (26,7%), traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) (24,4%) e hipertensión (HTA) (22,2%). Las únicas variables que encontramos asociadas con aparición de TVP son la presencia de OPA (p<0,005; RR:4) y el grado ASIA (p=0,001; RR:2,7). Conclusiones. La incidencia de TVP se mantiene constante a lo largo del período estudiado. La TVP aumenta la mortalidad y significativamente la estancia media. La probabilidad de desarrollar TVP se correlaciona con la presencia de OPA y el ASIA; aumentando en los pacientes con OPA y disminuyendo en las lesiones incompletas (AU)

Objective. Describe and analyze the epidemiology of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury. Material and methods. Retrospective study of patients admitted in our unit during the period between 1999 and 2010. The data collected were processed with SPSS 16.0 analysis. Results. Of a total of 751 patients, 45 had DVT, with an incidence of 6%. Twenty-four had associated pulmonary embolism (53.3%). 69.8% had complete spinal cord injury (SCI), 57.2% were paraplegics. The average time of evolution from injury to diagnosis of DVT was 48 days. The average stay was 189 days compared to 135 in those who do not develop DVT (P<0.001). They had begun sitting on 64.4%. The 15.6% had concomitant OPA. The 60% had superimposed a risk factor for developing DVT, the most common: lower limbs fractures (26.7%), traumatic brain injury (24.4%) and hypertension (22.2%). The only variables that are associated with development of DVT include the presence of para-articular ossification (PAO) (P<0.005; RR:4) and ASIA grade (P=0.001; RR:2.7). Conclusions. The incidence of DVT remains constant throughout the study period. The DVT increase mortality and significantly the average stay. The probability of developing DVT correlates with the presence of PAO and ASIA grade, increasing in patients with OPA and decreasing it in incomplete injuries (AU)

CD3 expression distinguishes two gammadeltaT cell receptor subsets with different phenotype and effector function in tuberculous pleurisy.

Tuberculous pleurisy is a naturally occurring site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Herein, we describe the expression of activation, natural killer (NK) and cell migration markers, as well as effector functions from gammadeltaT cells in peripheral blood (PB) and pleural effusion (PE) from tuberculosis patients (TB). We observed a decreased percentage of circulating gammadeltaT from TB patients and differential expression of NK as well as of chemokine receptors on PB and PE. Two subsets of gammadeltaT cells were differentiated by the CD3/gammadeltaT cell receptor (gammadeltaTCR) complex. The gammadeltaTCR(low) subset had a higher CD3 to TCR ratio and was enriched in Vdelta2(+) cells, whereas most Vdelta1(+) cells belonged to the gammadeltaTCR(high) subset. In PB from TB, most gammadeltaTCR(high) were CD45RA(+)CCR7(-) and gammadeltaTCR(low) were CD45RA(+/-)CCR7(+)CXCR3(+). In the pleural space the proportion of CD45RA(-)CCR7(+)CXCR3(+) cells was higher. Neither spontaneous nor Mtb-induced interferon (IFN)-gamma production was observed in PB-gammadeltaT cells from TB; however, PE-gammadeltaT cells showed a strong response. Both PB- and PE-gammadelta T cells expressed surface CD107a upon stimulation with Mtb. Notably, PE-gammadeltaTCR(low) cells were the most potent effector cells. Thus, gammadeltaT cells from PB would acquire a further activated phenotype within the site of Mtb infection and exert full effector functions. As gammadeltaT cells produce IFN-gamma within the pleural space, they would be expected to play a beneficial role in tuberculous pleurisy by helping to maintain a T helper type 1 profile.

Artropatía vertebral de Charcot en lesionados medulares: problema diagnóstico / Vertebral osteoarthropathy or Charcot’s disease of the spine in spinal cord lesions: a diagnostic challenge

La artropatía neuropática de Charcot fue descrita en 1868 en pacientes afectos de tabes dorsal, y unos años después se describió su localización en articulaciones intervertebrales. Actualmente es una entidad reconocida entre las secuelas de lesiones medulares crónicas. Sin embargo, su diagnóstico y tratamiento siguen sujetos a discusión, y diversas publicaciones hacen referencia al problema del diagnóstico diferencial con artropatías de origen infeccioso afectando a la columna. Se exponen dos casos de pacientes afectos de lesiones medulares de larga evolución y que presentaron hallazgos compatibles con articulaciones neuropáticas de columna, pero que dieron lugar a un problema de diagnóstico diferencial con artritis infecciosa. El diagnóstico es complejo en pacientes lesionados medulares que presentan clínica de infección, pudiendo incluso superponerse ambos procesos

Neuropathic osteoarthropathy, or Charcot joint disease, was first described in 1868 in patients affected by tabes dorsalis, and it is currently a recognized entity among the sequelae of chronic spinal cord lesions. However, its diagnosis and treatment are still under discussion, and various publications make reference to the difficulties of differential diagnosis in cases of osteoarthropathies of infectious origin affecting the spine. The diagnosis is complex in patients with spinal cord lesions that have symptoms and signs of infection, and the two processes can even overlap. We describe two cases of patients with long-standing spinal cord lesions that presented findings compatible with neuropathic spinal articulations but that gave rise to a problem in the differential diagnosis with infectious arthritis. A surgical approach enabled histological and microbiological studies, confirming Charcot's disease and ruling out infection of the intervertebral space in the second case. Conclusion. In patients presenting febrile syndromes of unknown origin and a generally declining state of health whose laboratory findings indicate infection, the differential diagnosis can be hindered when it is difficult to differentiate Charcot's disease from pyogenic discitis or Pott's disease on imaging studies. The possibility of superinfection of a Charcot joint must be taken into account, and the surgical approach is usually necessary

Síndrome de Ogilvie y lesión medular. A propósito de un caso / Ogilvie’s syndrome and spinal cord injury. A case report

Introducción. Presentamos un caso de pseudo-obstrucción (síndrome de Ogilvie) en un paciente con lesión medular. Caso clínico. Se trata de un paciente varón de 50 años que sufrió politraumatismo con fractura-luxación D12-L1 y afectación medular secundaria. Tras 8 meses de evolución desarrolló un cuadro de dolor, distensión abdominal, náuseas y vómitos. La radiografía simple reveló dilatación del colon, diagnosticándose de pseudo-obstrucción colónica aguda. La tomografía axial computarizada confirmó el diagnóstico y descartó la obstrucción mecánica. A pesar de las medidas de soporte, el cuadro clínico empeoró y se realizó una intervención quirúrgica urgente. El paciente falleció durante la cirugía, a las 24 horas de evolución del cuadro. Discusión. El reconocimiento clínico está interferido por la lesión medular. Este síndrome debería tenerse en cuenta en pacientes con lesión medular que desarrollan íleo después de la fase aguda de la lesión, ya que un diagnóstico precoz y un manejo adecuado pueden disminuir la morbimortalidad

Introduction. To report a case of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) in a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI). Case report. A 50-year-old man suffered a high-energy fall, resulting in: luxation-fracture of the thoracolumbar spine between T12 and L1 with spinal cord injury. After 8 months of evolution, he developed abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting and pain. Simple ƒ rays revealed colonic dilation and a diagnosis of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction was made. Computerized tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis and excluded mechanical obstruction. Despite supportive measures, his symptoms progressed over the following hours, and emergency surgery was performed. He died during surgery 24 hours after the initiation of the problem. Discussion. SCI may interfere with the accurate assessment of the abdomen. This syndrome should be borne in mind in patients with SCI who develop ileus after the acute damage phase, because early diagnosis and appropriate treatment would reduce morbidity and mortality

Long-term follow-up study of intraurethral stents in spinal cord injured patients with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To assess in the long-term clinical and urodynamic results of intraurethral stents in a group of patients with spinal cord injury. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Juan Canalejo Hospital, A Coruña, Spain. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive male patients were studied from 1993 to 2002. All of them suffered from hyperreflexia with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) owing to spinal cord injury, and were treated by means of the placement of an intraurethral stent at the external sphincter. RESULTS: After surgery, significant decreases in all the parameters studied were observed. The number of patients with symptoms of urinary tract infection decreased by 25% (P<0.031). Post-void residual urine volume experienced an average decrease of 224.3 cm(3) (P=0.001). Episodes of dysreflexia decreased from 35.1 to 16.2% (P=0.039). The urodynamic study showed an average reduction of 44.36 cm H(2)O in the maximum detrusor pressure (P<0.0001). Complications in the upper urinary tract descended from 46.8 to 23.4% after placing the stent (P=0.013). The most frequent stent complication was displacement, followed by stenosis, lithiasis and intraprosthetic calcification. In all, 8.5% required the stent removal. CONCLUSIONS: Intraurethral stent is a good choice for the long-term management of DSD in spinal cord-injured patients, even in those who had been previously submitted to prior sphincterotomy. It has the advantage of being a potentially reversible procedure, so patients prefer it to more invasive therapies such as sphincterotomy.

IL-9 promotes anti-Mycobacterium leprae cytotoxicity: involvement of IFNgamma.

Interleukin 9 (IL-9) is a T-cell derived factor preferentially expressed by CD4+ Th2 cells and it has been characterized both in human and murine systems. It is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple functions on cells of the lymphoid, myeloid and mast cell lineages, as well as on lung epithelial cells. Other activities described for IL-9 support its contribution to asthma and its important role in helminthic infections, where a Th2 response can be protective and IL-9 enhances resistance or is responsible for elimination of the nematode. Nevertheless, until recently there were no studies on its role in bacterial infections in man. We have demonstrated that cytokines can modulate the specific cytotoxicity generation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from leprosy patients and normal controls. In the present report we studied the effect of IL-9 in this experimental model. Our results indicate that IL-9 can counteract the negative effect mediated by IL-4 on the generation of M. leprae-induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Moreover, it can increase this lytic activity in controls and enhance the stimulatory effect of IL-2 or IL-6 in cells from leprosy patients and controls. IL-9 is also able to revert the inhibitory effect of IL-10 and IL-13 on the M. leprae-induced cytotoxic activity. Although the exact mechanism of action of IL-9 remains to be determined, interferon gamma seems to be required for the effect of IL-9 in this experimental model. These data suggest that IL-9 may have an atypical Th2 behaviour and play a role in the modulation of the immune response to mycobacterial infections.

Toll-like receptors in human infectious diseases.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have emerged as critical players in immunity. They are capable of sensing organisms ranging from protozoa to bacteria, fungi or viruses upon detection of the pathogen as well as recognizing endogenous ligands, and triggering transduction pathways. Following activation of the innate immune system, strong inflammatory signals are generated inducing inflammation and activation of the adaptive immune response. However, the deregulation of TLRs signaling pathways may be conducive to the pathogenesis of many infectious diseases. Therefore, innate and adaptive immunity are not simply sequential and complementary mechanisms of resistance to pathogen, they regulate each other through cellular contacts and the secretion of soluble mediators. Herein, we summarize recent findings on TLRs signaling in infectious diseases and how pathogens have developed strategies to evade these pathways. In this context, a potential modulation of the innate immune response could have therapeutic benefit through the development of new drugs as well as vaccination strategies to be employed in infectious diseases.