[COVID-19 and herpesvirus encephalitis]. / COVID-19 y encefalitis por herpesvirus.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, could give rise to damage the nervous system. Many studies have been conducted on this topic, but few have focused specifically on encephalitis. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the clinical expression of other neurotropic viruses, such as Herpesviridae, is unknown. CASE REPORTS: We describe the cases of two young men (39 and 18 years old) in whom SARS-CoV-2 had been detected -reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-, and with a clinical diagnosis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis consistent with encephalitis. The first patient had a positive PCR for varicella zoster virus in CSF, while the second had a positive PCR for herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The first patient, who was recently diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus, presented with fever, headache, vomiting, cough, inappropriate behaviour and epileptic seizures; the second was seen to have fever, headache, myalgia and exanthema. Both offered the same laboratory findings (lymphopenia and high interleukin 6). CSF showed pleocytosis with a predominance of monomorphonuclear cells, hyperproteinorrachia and normal glycorrhachia. A cranial CT scan showed only mild diffuse cerebral oedema in the first case. Both cases were treated with corticosteroids, antibiotics and acyclovir. The second progressed favourably, while the first did not. CONCLUSIONS: Little is known about co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with neurotropic viruses, such as Herpesviridae, and we have only limited evidence of direct neurological involvement of SARS-CoV-2, due to the technical difficulty of detecting it in the nervous system, thus making it important to take co-infection into account in order to be able to establish an early diagnosis and treatment to improve prognosis.

TITLE: COVID-19 y encefalitis por herpesvirus.Introducción. El virus SARS-CoV-2, causante de la COVID-19, podría generar lesiones en el sistema nervioso. Son múltiples los estudios relacionados con esto, pero escasos en cuanto a la encefalitis en particular. A su vez, se desconoce el efecto del SARS-CoV-2 sobre la expresión clínica de otros virus neurótropos, como los Herpesviridae. Casos clínicos. Se describen dos casos de varones jóvenes, de 39 y 18 años, con detección de SARS-CoV-2 ­reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa (RT-PCR)­, con diagnóstico clínico y análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) compatibles con encefalitis. En el primer paciente se obtuvo una PCR positiva para el virus de la varicela zóster en el LCR, mientras que, en el segundo, para el virus del herpes simple de los tipos 1 y 2. El primer paciente, con diagnóstico reciente positivo para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, presentó fiebre, cefalea, vómitos, tos, conductas inapropiadas y crisis epiléptica; y el segundo, fiebre, cefalea, mialgias y exantema. Ambos compartieron hallazgos en la analítica (linfopenia e interleucina 6 elevada). En el LCR se observó pleocitosis con predominio de monomorfonucleares, hiperproteinorraquia y glucorraquia normal. La tomografía computarizada de cráneo sólo evidenció un edema cerebral difuso leve en el primer caso. En ambos casos se realizó un tratamiento con corticoides, antibióticos y aciclovir. En el segundo, la evolución fue favorable, mientras que en el primero, no. Conclusiones. Poco se conoce sobre la coinfección del SARS-CoV-2 con virus neurótropos, como los Herpesviridae, lo que se suma a la escasa evidencia de la afectación neurológica directa del SARS-CoV-2, debido a la dificultad técnica para su detección en el sistema nervioso, por lo que es importante considerar la coinfección para realizar un diagnóstico y un tratamiento precoces que mejoren el pronóstico.

COVID-19 y encefalitis por herpesvirus / COVID-19 and herpesvirus encephalitis

Introducción: El virus SARS-CoV-2, causante de la COVID-19, podría generar lesiones en el sistema nervioso. Son múltiples los estudios relacionados con esto, pero escasos en cuanto a la encefalitis en particular. A su vez, se desconoce el efecto del SARS-CoV-2 sobre la expresión clínica de otros virus neurótropos, como los Herpesviridae. Casos clínicos: Se describen dos casos de varones jóvenes, de 39 y 18 años, con detección de SARS-CoV-2 –reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa (RT-PCR)–, con diagnóstico clínico y análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) compatibles con encefalitis. En el primer paciente se obtuvo una PCR positiva para el virus de la varicela zóster en el LCR, mientras que, en el segundo, para el virus del herpes simple de los tipos 1 y 2. El primer paciente, con diagnóstico reciente positivo para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, presentó fiebre, cefalea, vómitos, tos, conductas inapropiadas y crisis epiléptica; y el segundo, fiebre, cefalea, mialgias y exantema. Ambos compartieron hallazgos en la analítica (linfopenia e interleucina 6 elevada). En el LCR se observó pleocitosis con predominio de monomorfonucleares, hiperproteinorraquia y glucorraquia normal. La tomografía computarizada de cráneo sólo evidenció un edema cerebral difuso leve en el primer caso. En ambos casos se realizó un tratamiento con corticoides, antibióticos y aciclovir. En el segundo, la evolución fue favorable, mientras que en el primero, no. Conclusiones: Poco se conoce sobre la coinfección del SARS-CoV-2 con virus neurótropos, como los Herpesviridae, lo que se suma a la escasa evidencia de la afectación neurológica directa del SARS-CoV-2, debido a la dificultad técnica para su detección en el sistema nervioso, por lo que es importante considerar la coinfección para realizar un diagnóstico y un tratamiento precoces que mejoren el pronóstico.(AU)

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, could give rise to damage the nervous system. Many studies have been conducted on this topic, but few have focused specifically on encephalitis. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the clinical expression of other neurotropic viruses, such as Herpesviridae, is unknown. Case reports: We describe the cases of two young men (39 and 18 years old) in whom SARS-CoV-2 had been detected–reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)–, and with a clinical diagnosis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis consistent with encephalitis. The first patient had a positive PCR for varicella zoster virus in CSF, while the second had a positive PCR for herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The first patient, who was recently diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus, presented with fever, headache, vomiting, cough, inappropriate behaviour and epileptic seizures; the second was seen to have fever, headache, myalgia and exanthema. Both offered the same laboratory findings (lymphopenia and high interleukin 6). CSF showed pleocytosis with a predominance of monomorphonuclear cells, hyperproteinorrachia and normal glycorrhachia. A cranial CT scan showed only mild diffuse cerebral oedema in the first case. Both cases were treated with corticosteroids, antibiotics and acyclovir. The second progressed favourably, while the first did not. Conclusions: Little is known about co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with neurotropic viruses, such as Herpesviridae, and we have only limited evidence of direct neurological involvement of SARS-CoV-2, due to the technical difficulty of detecting it in the nervous system, thus making it important to take co-infection into account in order to be able to establish an early diagnosis and treatment to improve prognosis.(AU)

Síndrome HELLP: características clínicas, analíticas y evolutivas observadas en dos años de experiencia / HELLP Syndrome: clinical-analytical characteristics and evolution observed in two years of experience

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome HELLP (H: hemólisis, EL: enzimas hepáticas elevadas y LP: trombocitopenia) es una forma de preeclampsia (PE) grave. El síndrome puede ser: completo o incompleto (con tres criterios analíticos, o sólo uno o dos); Clase i, II o III (según plaquetas < 50.000, 50.000-100.000 o > 100.000/mm3); postparto o anteparto; siendo estos últimos, precoces o tardíos (antes o después de la semana 34 de gestación). Describimos y analizamos las características clínico-analíticas y evolución observadas en embarazadas hipertensas que desarrollaron HELLP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo y analítico, observacional, de tipo cohorte retrospectiva; en un período de dos años. Incluyó embarazadas hipertensas que desarrollaron HELLP, durante el curso de su internación en la maternidad de nuestro hospital de atención terciaria. RESULTADOS: Incluyó 318 embarazadas hipertensas. Se observaron 28 HELLP. La edad materna fue 25,8 ± 7,2 años; la edad gestacional al diagnóstico 31 ± 1 sem. Hubo 4 hipertensas crónicas y 24 hipertensas gestacionales; ocho habían presentado PE en embarazos previos. Hubo 10 síndromes completos y 18 incompletos; de acuerdo a la trombocitopenia, hubo 3 Clase i, 16 Clase II y 9 Clase III. La instalación fue posparto en 3 y anteparto en 25: 18 precoces y 7 tardíos. Hubo 17 pacientes que requirieron cuidados intensivos y 10 desarrollaron complicaciones ligadas al HELLP. No se registraron óbitos maternos. CONCLUSIÓN: La presentación del síndrome fue variable, exhibiéndose mayormente en hipertensas gestacionales con instalación anteparto y precoz. Fue más frecuente la forma incompleta y la trombocitopenia clase ii. Las complicaciones maternas fueron usuales pero no se observaron óbitos

INTRODUCTION: HELLP syndrome (H: hemolysis, EL: elevated liver enzymes and LP: low platelets) is a form of severe preeclampsia (PE). The syndrome can be: complete or incomplete (with three analytical criteria, or only one or two); Class i, II or III (according platelets < 50,000; 50,000-100,000 or > 100,000/mm3); postpartum or antepartum; with early or late installation (before or after the 34nd week of gestation). We describe and analyze characteristics and evolution observed in hypertensive pregnant patients who developed HELLP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort with observation period of two years. It included pregnant hypertensive women who developed HELLP, during the course of their hospitalization in the maternity hospital of our tertiary care hospital. RESULTS: It included 318 hypertensive pregnant women. We observed 28 HELLP. Maternal age was 25.8 ±7.2 years and gestational age at diagnosis 31 ± 1 week. Hypertension was chronic in 4 and gestational in 24; eight had presented PE in the previous pregnancy. There were 10 complete and 18 incomplete syndromes; according to platelet disease there were 3 Class i, 16 Class II and 9 Class III. HELLP was postpartum in 3 and antepartum in 25: 18 early and 7 late. There were 17 patients who required intensive care and 10 developed complications linked to HELLP. No maternal deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: Presentation was variable, exhibiting mostly in gestational hypertension, antepartum and early. Incomplete form and class II thrombocytopenia were more frequent. Maternal complications were frequent but no deaths were observed

[HELLP Syndrome: clinical-analytical characteristics and evolution observed in two years of experience]. / Síndrome HELLP: características clínicas, analíticas y evolutivas observadas en dos años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: HELLP syndrome (H: hemolysis, EL: elevated liver enzymes and LP: low platelets) is a form of severe preeclampsia (PE). The syndrome can be: complete or incomplete (with three analytical criteria, or only one or two); Class i, ii or iii (according platelets < 50,000; 50,000-100,000 or > 100,000/mm3); postpartum or antepartum; with early or late installation (before or after the 34nd week of gestation). We describe and analyze characteristics and evolution observed in hypertensive pregnant patients who developed HELLP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort with observation period of two years. It included pregnant hypertensive women who developed HELLP, during the course of their hospitalization in the maternity hospital of our tertiary care hospital. RESULTS: It included 318 hypertensive pregnant women. We observed 28 HELLP. Maternal age was 25.8 ±7.2 years and gestational age at diagnosis 31 ± 1 week. Hypertension was chronic in 4 and gestational in 24; eight had presented PE in the previous pregnancy. There were 10 complete and 18 incomplete syndromes; according to platelet disease there were 3 Class i, 16 Class ii and 9 Class iii. HELLP was postpartum in 3 and antepartum in 25: 18 early and 7 late. There were 17 patients who required intensive care and 10 developed complications linked to HELLP. No maternal deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: Presentation was variable, exhibiting mostly in gestational hypertension, antepartum and early. Incomplete form and class II thrombocytopenia were more frequent. Maternal complications were frequent but no deaths were observed.

Utilidad del índice neutrófilo/linfocito y del índice polimorfonuclear/monomorfonuclear, en la predicción de preeclampsia / Utility of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the polymorphonuclear/monomorphonuclear ratio, in the prediction of preeclampsia

Introducción: La aparición de preeclampsia (PE) comprendería alteraciones de la función endotelial y activación de la respuesta inflamatoria, generando hipoperfusión placentaria. El índice neutrófilo/linfocito (INL) y el índice polimorfonuclear/monomorfonuclear (IPM) podrían medir el componente inflamatorio subyacente y predecir la aparición del trastorno. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, de casos y controles. Se analizaron retrospectivamente historias clínicas de embarazadas internadas por registros hipertensivos, divididas en grupo 1=con PE desarrollada y grupo 2=sin PE desarrollada. Resultados: Se incluyó a 110 pacientes: grupo 1=58,2% y grupo 2=41,8%, observándose diferencias entre las medias del INL (p=0,01) y del IPM (p=0,02). Un INL ≥ 4,5 (p=0,002; OR=3,9; IC del 95%=1,6-9,5) y con un IPM ≥ 3 (p=0,004; OR=3,5; IC del 95%=1,4-8,4) se relacionaron con PE. Conclusión: La elevación del INL y del IPM en pacientes gestantes hipertensas podría considerarse indicador del desarrollo de PE

Introduction: The appearance of preeclampsia (PE) would comprise the alteration of endothelial function and activation of the inflammatory response, leading to placental hypoperfusion. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the polymorphonuclear/monomorphonuclear ratio (PMR) could measure the underlying inflammatory component and predict the onset of the disorder. Material and methods: Observational, analytical, case and control study. We retrospectively analysed medical records of pregnant women, hospitalized for hypertension registers. The patients were divided into Group1=with PE development, and Group2=without PE development. Results: 110 patients were included: Group1=58.2% and Group2=41.8%, observing differences between the NLR means (P=.01) and PMR means (P=.02). An NLR ≥4.5 (P=.002; OR=3.9; 95%CI=1.6-9.5) and a PMR ≥3 (P=.004; OR=3.5; 95%CI=1.4-8.4) was related with PE. Conclusion: The elevation of NLR and PMR in hypertensive pregnant patients, could be considered indicators for the development of PE

[Utility of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the polymorphonuclear/ monomorphonuclear ratio, in the prediction of preeclampsia]. / Utilidad del índice neutrófilo/linfocito y del índice polimorfonuclear/monomorfonuclear, en la predicción de preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: The appearance of preeclampsia (PE) would comprise the alteration of endothelial function and activation of the inflammatory response, leading to placental hypoperfusion. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the polymorphonuclear/monomorphonuclear ratio (PMR) could measure the underlying inflammatory component and predict the onset of the disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, case and control study. We retrospectively analysed medical records of pregnant women, hospitalized for hypertension registers. The patients were divided into Group1=with PE development, and Group2=without PE development. RESULTS: 110 patients were included: Group1=58.2% and Group2=41.8%, observing differences between the NLR means (P=.01) and PMR means (P=.02). An NLR ≥4.5 (P=.002; OR=3.9; 95%CI=1.6-9.5) and a PMR ≥3 (P=.004; OR=3.5; 95%CI=1.4-8.4) was related with PE. CONCLUSION: The elevation of NLR and PMR in hypertensive pregnant patients, could be considered indicators for the development of PE.

Highly crystalline strontium ferrites SrFeO(3-δ): an easy and effective wet-chemistry synthesis.

The synthesis of strontium ferrite SrFeO(3-δ) has been explored through wet-chemistry methods in order to optimize a quick, easy and reproducible method to obtain the perovskite in pure crystalline form with a high yield. Among the three investigated synthetic paths, (i) coprecipitation of hydroxides, (ii) coprecipitation of oxalates and (iii) polyol-assisted coprecipitation, only the second one was effective in obtaining the desired perovskite modification as a single phase. The products were analyzed by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), to determine the crystalline structure and the chemical composition of the sample surface, respectively, and to optimise the synthetic process. Pure samples were further characterised by means of inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) analysis, nitrogen adsorption, elemental analysis, temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and Mössbauer spectroscopy.