Seasonality of suicide: a multi-country multi-community observational study.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of seasonal suicide patterns among multiple geographically, demographically and socioeconomically diverse populations. METHODS: Weekly time-series data of suicide counts for 354 communities in 12 countries during 1986-2016 were analysed. Two-stage analysis was performed. In the first stage, a generalised linear model, including cyclic splines, was used to estimate seasonal patterns of suicide for each community. In the second stage, the community-specific seasonal patterns were combined for each country using meta-regression. In addition, the community-specific seasonal patterns were regressed onto community-level socioeconomic, demographic and environmental indicators using meta-regression. RESULTS: We observed seasonal patterns in suicide, with the counts peaking in spring and declining to a trough in winter in most of the countries. However, the shape of seasonal patterns varied among countries from bimodal to unimodal seasonality. The amplitude of seasonal patterns (i.e. the peak/trough relative risk) also varied from 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-1.62) to 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.1) among 12 countries. The subgroup difference in the seasonal pattern also varied over countries. In some countries, larger amplitude was shown for females and for the elderly population (≥65 years of age) than for males and for younger people, respectively. The subperiod difference also varied; some countries showed increasing seasonality while others showed a decrease or little change. Finally, the amplitude was larger for communities with colder climates, higher proportions of elderly people and lower unemployment rates (p-values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the common features of a spring peak and a winter trough, seasonal suicide patterns were largely heterogeneous in shape, amplitude, subgroup differences and temporal changes among different populations, as influenced by climate, demographic and socioeconomic conditions. Our findings may help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of seasonal suicide patterns and aid in improving the design of population-specific suicide prevention programmes based on these patterns.

Mioclonías secundarias a fármaco antigripal / Myoclonus secondary to use of anti-flu drug

No disponible

Estudio controlado del ritmo del habla en la enfermedad de Parkinson / Speech rate in Parkinson's disease: A controlled study

Introducción: Las alteraciones en el habla aparecen en la mayoría de los pacientes con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) en el curso del trastorno. Su origen y gravedad son de interés clínico y diagnóstico. Objetivo: Evaluar los patrones de deterioro en el habla en pacientes con la EP, e identificar diferencias en la velocidad de elocución y articulación en comparación con sujetos de control, empleando un método de análisis automático en una tarea de lectura. Pacientes: Participaron 39 pacientes con la EP y 45 controles asintomáticos igualados en sexo y edad. Los pacientes con la EP, en estado on, no presentaban fluctuaciones motoras ni discinesias durante la evaluación del habla. Resultados: El grupo de pacientes con la EP muestran una significativa reducción de la velocidad de elocución y articulación. No se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre los parámetros del habla estudiados y las características de los pacientes, tales como la dosis de L-dopa, duración del trastorno, edad, ni en las puntuaciones en las escalas UPDRS III o Hoehn y Yahr. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con la EP muestran un patrón característico de deterioro del ritmo del habla. Estos resultados indican que las disfluencias en la EP son el resultado de la alteración del movimiento que afecta a la fisiología de los sistemas de producción del habla

Introduction: Speech disturbances will affect most patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) over the course of the disease. The origin and severity of these symptoms are of clinical and diagnostic interest. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical pattern of speech impairment in PD patients and identify significant differences in speech rate and articulation compared to control subjects. Speech rate and articulation in a reading task were measured using an automatic analytical method. Patients: A total of 39 PD patients in the ‘on’ state and 45 age-and sex-matched asymptomatic controls participated in the study. None of the patients experienced dyskinesias or motor fluctuations during the test. Results: The patients with PD displayed a significant reduction in speech and articulation rates; there were no significant correlations between the studied speech parameters and patient characteristics such as L-dopa dose, duration of the disorder, age, and UPDRS III scores and Hoehn & Yahr scales. Conclusion: atients with PD show a characteristic pattern of declining speech rate. These results suggest that in PD, disfluencies are the result of the movement disorder affecting the physiology of speech production systems

Mediterranean dietary pattern in pregnant women and offspring risk of overweight and abdominal obesity in early childhood: the INMA birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Animal models have suggested that maternal diet quality may reduce offspring obesity risk regardless of maternal body weight; however, evidence from human studies is scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) during pregnancy and childhood overweight and abdominal obesity risk at 4 years of age. METHODS: We analysed 1827 mother-child pairs from the Spanish 'Infancia y Medio Ambiente' cohort study, recruited between 2003 and 2008. Diet was assessed during pregnancy using a food frequency questionnaire and MD adherence by the relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED). Overweight (including obesity) was defined as an age-specific and sex-specific body mass index ≥85th percentile (World Health Organization referent), and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference (WC) >90th percentile. Multivariate adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between pregnancy rMED and offspring overweight and abdominal obesity. RESULT: There was no association between rMED and body mass index z-score, whereas there was a significant association between higher adherence to MD and lower WC (ß of high vs. low rMED: -0.62 cm; 95% confidence interval: -1.10, -0.14 cm, P for trend = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy adherence to the MD was not associated with childhood overweight risk, but it was associated with lower WC, a marker of abdominal obesity.

Speech rate in Parkinson's disease: A controlled study. / Estudio controlado del ritmo del habla en la enfermedad de Parkinson.

INTRODUCTION: Speech disturbances will affect most patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) over the course of the disease. The origin and severity of these symptoms are of clinical and diagnostic interest. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical pattern of speech impairment in PD patients and identify significant differences in speech rate and articulation compared to control subjects. Speech rate and articulation in a reading task were measured using an automatic analytical method. PATIENTS: A total of 39 PD patients in the 'on' state and 45 age-and sex-matched asymptomatic controls participated in the study. None of the patients experienced dyskinesias or motor fluctuations during the test. RESULTS: The patients with PD displayed a significant reduction in speech and articulation rates; there were no significant correlations between the studied speech parameters and patient characteristics such as L-dopa dose, duration of the disorder, age, and UPDRS III scores and Hoehn & Yahr scales. CONCLUSION: Patients with PD show a characteristic pattern of declining speech rate. These results suggest that in PD, disfluencies are the result of the movement disorder affecting the physiology of speech production systems.

Errores en el procedimiento del bloqueo epidural / Epidural block procedure pitfalls

Presentar en una serie de casos los posibles errores técnicos durante el bloqueo epidural, ya que se pueden prevenir y corregir durante el procedimiento. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente, entre enero de 2013 y abril de 2014, 118 pacientes con dolor lumbar y/o radicular tratados con antiinflamatorio/analgésico mínimamente invasivo mediante una inyección selectiva guiada por tomografía computada (TC) en el espacio epidural. En todos los casos se utilizó una aguja espinal 21 G, y se inyectó esteroide de depósito (betametasona 3 mg) y anestésicos (lidocaína 1 ml al 2% + bupivacaína 0,5 ml al0,5%) o solo esteroide en los pacientes con sospecha de duramadre perforada. Se seleccionaron únicamente aquellos casos en los que hubo errores de técnica durante el procedimiento. Resultados: Cinco pacientes (4,23%) tuvieron complicaciones técnicas durante el bloqueo epidural. Estas se observaron luego de una inadecuada posición del extremo de la aguja (perforación de la duramadre y falta de acceso al espacio epidural) y se objetivaron por la aspiración directa del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) o por la disposición del aire, utilizado como trazador antes de la inyección del medicamento. Los errores se detectaron y corrigieron con rapidez, sin mayores inconvenientes ni necesidad de tratamientos complementarios. Conclusión: El bloqueo epidural es una práctica frecuentemente usada en el manejo del dolor lumbar crónico. Los errores técnicos y las complicaciones del procedimiento son poco comunes, pero para su manejo y posterior corrección es importante conocerlos y contar con un médico experimentado...

Evidencia y uso actual de toxina botulínica en patología otorrinolaringológica / Evidence and actual use of botulinum toxin in otolaryngology

A partir de los primeros usos terapéuticos de la toxina botulínica su utilización se ha extendido a variadas ramas de la medicina incluyendo la otorrinolaringología. Se considera un medicamento seguro en manos de profesionales capacitados y su utilización se realiza a través de un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo con efectos adversos leves y transitorios. Se usa en un amplio número de patologías otorrinolaringológicas y de cabeza y cuello. Actualmente la toxina botulínica A representa la primera línea de tratamiento en pacientes con disfonía espasmódica y distonía cervical. Existe evidencia de buen nivel que recomienda su uso para el manejo de sialorrea, temblor laríngeo, trastornos de la ATM, bruxismo y rinitis en casos seleccionados. Presenta buenos resultados en otras patologías como espasmo faringoesofágico, síndrome de Frey y tinnitus, sin embargo, todavía son necesarios más estudios.

Since the first therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin its role has extended to a wide range of medicine áreas including otolaryngology. It is considered a safe medication in the hands of trained professionals and its application represents a minimally invasive procedure with mild and transient adverse effects. It has been used in a wide range of otolaryngology and head and neck pathologies. Today botulinum toxin a represents the first choice of treatment for patients with spasmodic dysphonia and cervical dystonia. There is good evidence that supports its use for shialorrea, laryngeal tremor, temporomandibular joint disorders, bruxism and selected cases of rhinitis. For pharyngo-oesophageal spasm, Frey's syndrome and tinnitus there have been studies that show a beneficial effect however more studies are required for routine recommendation.

Associations of maternal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration with pregnancy and birth outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of maternal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] concentration with pregnancy and birth outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four geographical areas of Spain, 2003-2008. POPULATION: Of 2382 mother-child pairs participating in the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Project. METHODS: Maternal circulating 25(OH)D3 concentration was measured in pregnancy (mean [SD] 13.5 [2.2] weeks of gestation). We tested associations of maternal 25(OH)D3 concentration with pregnancy and birth outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery, caesarean section, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small-for-gestational age (SGA), anthropometric birth outcomes including weight, length and head circumference (HC). RESULTS: Overall, 31.8% and 19.7% of women had vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D3 20-29.99 ng/ml] and deficiency [25(OH)D3 < 20 ng/ml], respectively. After adjustment, there was no association between maternal 25(OH)D3 concentration and risk of GDM or preterm delivery. Women with sufficient vitamin D [25(OH)D3 ≥ 30 ng/ml] had a decreased risk of caesarean section by obstructed labour compared with women with vitamin D deficiency [relative risk (RR) = 0.60, 95% CI 0.37, 0.97). Offspring of mothers with higher circulating 25(OH)D3 concentration tended to have smaller HC [coefficient (SE) per doubling concentration of 25(OH)D3, -0.10 (0.05), P = 0.038]. No significant associations were found for other birth outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study did not find any evidence of an association between vitamin D status in pregnancy and GDM, preterm delivery, FGR, SGA and anthropometric birth outcomes. Results suggest that sufficient circulating vitamin D concentration [25(OH)D3 ≥ 30 ng/ml] in pregnancy may reduce the risk of caesarean section by obstructed labour.

Deficit of vitamin D in pregnancy and growth and overweight in the offspring.

BACKGROUND: Maternal vitamin D status during fetal development may influence offspring growth and risk of obesity; however, evidence in humans is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether maternal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration in pregnancy is associated with offspring prenatal and postnatal growth and overweight. METHODS: Plasma 25(OH)D3 concentration was measured in pregnant women (median weeks of gestation 14.0, range 13.0-15.0) from the INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) cohort (Spain, 2003-2008) (n = 2358). Offspring femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were evaluated at 12, 20 and 34 weeks of gestation by ultrasound examinations. Fetal overweight was defined either as AC or as EFW ⩾ 90th percentile. Child's anthropometry was recorded at ages 1 and 4 years. Rapid growth was defined as a weight gain z-score of >0.67 from birth to ages 6 months and 1 year. Age- and sex-specific z-scores for body mass index (BMI) were calculated at ages 1 and 4 years (World Health Organization referent); infant's overweight was defined as a BMI z-score ⩾ 85th percentile. RESULTS: We found no association of maternal 25(OH)D3 concentration with FL and a weak inverse association with BPD at 34 weeks. Maternal deficit of 25(OH)D3 (<20 ng ml(-1)) was associated with increased risk of fetal overweight defined as AC ⩾ 90th percentile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.21; P = 0.041) or either as EFW ⩾ 90th percentile (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.16; P = 0.046). No significant associations were found with rapid growth. Deficit of 25(OH)D3 in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of overweight in offspring at age 1 year (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.97; P = 0.039); however, the association was attenuated at age 4 years (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.83-1.72; P = 0.341). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy may increase the risk of prenatal and early postnatal overweight in offspring. Clinical trials are warranted to determine the role of vitamin D in the early origins of obesity.

Efecto del plasma rico en plaquetas en la resistencia de un injerto tendíneo, en túnel óseo en modelo en animal / Effect of platelet-rich plasma in relation to mechanical strength of intra-tunel integration of tendon graft in animals

Introduction: Bone-tendon interface is one of the places for early failure in the ligament reconstruction surgery. In that way, osteintegration should be favored. Growth factors have been proposed to enhance tendon healing and tissue regeneration. Objective: To assess the effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in relation to the mechanical strength of intra-tunel integration of flexor tendon in a rabbit model. Methods: Experimental and control trial in animal model. Nine skeletally mature, New Zeland rabbits were used for this study (18 knees) performing a proximal tibia bone tunnel in one knee in which a flexor tendon graft was introduced, applying a dose of PRP in the bone tunnel. The other knee was used as control. Rabbits were sacrificed in three groups of three at de 2nd, 4th and 8th week. Biomechanical evaluation was performed, recording the force to achieve graft failure. Data analysis was done using Mann Whitney test. Results: The resistance obtained in the PRP group vs control group at 2nd week was 7.4 N vs 6.6 N (p = 0.51), at 4th week was 16 N vs 13.5 N (p = 0.27) and at 8th week was 21N vs 13.2 N (p = 0.51). Conclusion: Administration of local PRP in bone tunnels does not significantly modify mechanical strength of the graft in bone tunnel compared with controls.

Introducción: La interface tendón-hueso es uno de los sitios de falla precoz de la reconstrucción ligamentosa. Se han buscado distintas formas de aumentar la osteointegración del injerto. Existen estudios demostrando algún grado de utilidad del plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) en relación a la cicatrización y regeneración de tejidos. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del plasma rico en plaquetas en la resistencia de la cicatrización intraósea de tendón flexor en un modelo de reconstrucción ligamentosa en conejos. Material y Método: Estudio experimental, controlado, en modelo animal. Nueve conejos de raza albina New Zeland, esqueléticamente maduros. Se estudiaron 9 conejos (18 rodillas), realizando un túnel óseo tibial proximal en una rodilla, donde se introdujo injerto de tendón flexor, administrándose una dosis autóloga de PRP en el túnel óseo. La otra rodilla se utilizó como control, los conejos se sacrificaron en grupos de 3 a la 2ª, 4ª y 8ª semana. Realizamos evaluación biomecánica, registrándose la fuerza necesaria para conseguir la falla del injerto. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante Test de Mann Whitney. Resultados: La resistencia obtenida en el grupo con PRP vs grupo control a la 2da semana fue 7,4 N vs 6,6 N (p = 0,51), a la 4ta semana fue 16 N vs 13,5 N (p = 0,27) y a la 8va semana fue 21 N vs 13,2 N (p = 0,51). Conclusiones: La administración local de PRP en los túneles óseos, no modifica en forma significativa la resistencia del injerto en el túnel óseo comparado con grupo control. Nivel de evidencia: II (ensayo clínico controlado no aleatorio).

Variantes anatómicas relevantes en tomografía computarizada de cavidades perinasales / Remarkable anatomic variations on paranasal CT scans

Introducción: La anatomía ósea de las cavidades perinasales (CPN) es altamente variable, pudiendo ser causa o factor predisponente de patología rinosinusal, o servir de reparo anatómico para la cirugía endoscópica nasal (CEN). Objetivos: Conocer la frecuencia de variaciones anatómicas en pacientes que consultan en nuestra Red de Salud. Material y método: Revisión retrospectiva de todas las tomog rafias computarizadas (TC) de CPN, realizadas en el Servicio de Radiología de la Red de Salud UC entre abril y junio de 2009. Resultados: Se encontraron las distintas variantes anatómicas en frecuencias similares a las descritas en la literatura internacional. Se estudió también la trayectoria de la arteria etmoidal anterior (AEA), y la configuración del techo etmoidal, utilizando la clasificación de Keros. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de variaciones anatómicas encontrada en nuestra revisión es similar a la descrita en la literatura internacional. La mayoría de nuestros pacientes presenta configuración de techo etmoidal tipo Keros I, hallazgo diferente al reportado en otras series. El estudio metódico de las variantes anatómicas en TC de CPN nos permitiría evitar complicaciones quirúrgicas.

Introduction: Paranasal sinus anatomy is quite variable. Some variations are involved in rinosinusal pathology, others are landmarks ofFESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery). Aim: To determine the frecuency of paranasal anatomic variations in our consulting population. Material and method: Retrospective revision of all paranasal CT scans achieved in our Radiology Service during a two month period during 2009. Results: We found most of ethmoid anatomic variations, with similar frecuencies as described in literature. We also studied anterior ethmoidal artery anatomy, and ethmoid roof configuration, using Keros classification Conclusions: We found, in general, similar frecuencies as described in foreign series. More than half of our patients had Keros I ethmoid roof configuration type, a differing result from most of other series. Every ENT surgeon should be trained in routine search of these variations, helping to avoid possible surgical complications.

Indoor and outdoor concentrations and determinants of NO2 in a cohort of 1-year-old children in Valencia, Spain.

UNLABELLED: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is produced from the exhausts of vehicles and gas appliances and is known to pose certain health risks. In this study, we characterize the exposure to this substance during the first year of life, which is an important period of development. To this end, we used passive samplers to measure indoor and outdoor NO2 levels for 2 weeks in the homes of 352 children. To compensate for the fact that NO2 levels were measured only once in each home, a correction factor was calculated to assign each child an outdoor NO2 exposure value for the first year of life. The outdoor NO2 concentrations were 26.1 microg/m(3) while those measured indoors averaged 18.0 microg/m(3). A multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the main determinants of outdoor NO2 levels were the degree of urbanization and the frequency of vehicle traffic at the location of the residence while for indoor NO2 levels the principal determinants were the type of cooking range and water heater present in the home, the season of the year, and both the country of origin and educational level of the mother. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Exposure to NO2 has been related to respiratory and other health problems among children. Precise identification of the main sources of both indoor and outdoor NO2 should shed light on appropriate intervention periods and methods. Our results indicate that while population density and traffic-related variables are the main determinants of outdoor NO2 levels, the use of gas appliances have the greatest impact on indoor levels. Strategies should thus be developed to reduce such exposure, especially with regard to reducing emissions from vehicle traffic.

Iodine intake in a population of pregnant women: INMA mother and child cohort study, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring iodine status during pregnancy is essential to prevent iodine-related disorders. The objectives of this study are to estimate iodine intake and excretion, to assess their association and to evaluate the compliance of the recommendations in a multicentre cohort of pregnant women. METHODS: Cross-sectional data on maternal iodine nutritional status, compiled between weeks 8 and 22 of gestation in three Spanish areas (Valencia, Gipuzkoa and Sabadell), were analysed. Information on iodine intake from diet, salt and supplements was estimated through questionnaires. Spot urine samples were analysed for urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Tobit regression analysis was used to assess the association between iodine intake and UIC. RESULTS: 1522 women were included in the study. Median UIC was 134 (IQR 80-218) µg/l in Valencia, 168 (IQR 108-272) µg/l in Gipuzkoa and 94 (IQR 57-151) µg/l in Sabadell. 48.9% of Valencian women consumed iodine supplements, 93.3% in Gipuzkoa and 11.0% in Sabadell. Prevalence of iodised salt consumption was 50.5% in the whole sample. UIC was associated with intake of supplements, iodised salt, dietary iodine and water. UIC levels were lower than expected according to the estimated iodine intake. CONCLUSION: Median UIC reflected iodine deficiency according to WHO reference levels, except in Gipuzkoa where supplements are widely consumed. It is necessary to strengthen iodised salt consumption since it is already far from the objective proposed of coverage of 90% of households. More data would be valuable to assess the correspondence between iodine intake and excretion during pregnancy.

Correlación clinicomorfológica de distintas formas de demencia asociada a enfermedad de neurona motora / No disponible

No disponible

Cuerpos extraños de vía aérea de difícil extracción en niños / Airway foreign bodies of difficult extraction in children

Introducción: La aspiración de cuerpos extraños es uno de los accidentes de mayor incidencia y morbimortalidad en la infancia. Además es la primera causa de muerte en nuestra especialidad. Objetivo: Se entrega la siguiente experiencia clínica con el objetivo de evaluar las condiciones especiales de 10 casos seleccionados. Las cuales servirán de guía para enfrentar mejor esta Situación. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los casos atendidos en el Hospital Dr Sótero del Río en los últimos veinte años, eligiendo 10 de ellos con características clínicas, de manejo y dificultad mayor que la habitual para su extracción. Resultados: En cada caso presentado se analizan las causas que provocan esta situación, cuyo conocimiento previo a la extracción permiten planificar una mejor conducta de enfrentamiento clínico. Conclusión: Se destaca la importancia de una buena historia clínica, examen físico, coordinación con el equipo de urgencia y pabellón de cada centro asistencial. Cuando nos enfrentamos a la Situación de extraer un cuerpo extraño de la vía aérea, sabemos que estamos ante un desafío difícil y estresante, pero estaremos mejor preparados Si sabemos a lo que nos enfrentamos, Si identificamos los factores de riesgo, dificultades o desafíos que el caso involucra, actuando oportunamente, con un manejo adecuado y provistos del instrumental necesario

Introduction: Foreign body aspiration is one of the most common accidents in childhood, and is associated to high morbidity and mortality. in addition, it is the first cause of death in our field. Aim: We present the following clinical experience in order to evaluate the special characteristics of ten selected cases, which could serve as guidelines for an improved management of this clinical situation. Material and Method: A twenty-year retrospective study of foreign body aspiration at the Sótero del Rio Hospital was carried out. Ten cases were selected because their clinical characteristics and management rendered them more difficult than usual. Results: We analyze the causes for each case, on the premise that a full knowledge of the situation previous to extraction could contribute to a better clinical management. ConcluSion: The importance of a good medical history, thorough clinical examination and good coordination with the emergency and surgery rooms is stressed. When we face the extraction of a foreign body from the airway, we are dealing with a stressful situation, but we would be better prepared if we first identify the risk factors and challenges involved, responding promptly, with adequate management and instrumentation

Abscesos esplénicos: Comunicación de siete casos y revisión de la literatura / Splenic abscesses: Report of seven cases

Background: Splenic abscesses are uncommon, appear in subjects with predisposing factors such as systemic infections and have high mortality rates. Aim: To report seven patients with splenic abscesses. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of patients with a splenic abscess treated between 1987 and 2005. Results: The records of four women and three males aged 20 to 74 years, were reviewed. The most common presenting symptoms were fever and abdominal pain and all had predisposing factors. Six patients had a leukocyte count of 19,500 x mm³. Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein values were 75 mm/h and 13.5 mg/dl. Diagnosis was made with ultrasound in two patients and CT scan in five. Six patients had an unique abscess and one patient had multiple lesions. A splenectomy was done in three patients as the first choice treatment and in one, due to medical treatment failure. In two patients, a CT guided percutaneous drainage was performed and one patient was subjected to medical treatment only. Abscess cultures were positive in 50 percent of patients subjected to percutaneous drainage and in 50 percent of splenectomized patients. No patient died and no complications were observed in the early or ¡ate postoperative period. Conclusion: Splenic abscesses are associated to predisposing conditions. The first choice is surgical treatment, but percutaneous drainage is also a therapeutic option.

[Clinical and ultrastructural features of ciliary dyskinesia]. / Disquinesia ciliar: diagnóstico ultraestructural, evolución clínica y alternativas de tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Ciliary dyskinesia (CD) is a low incidence genetic illness, that presents with a wide clinical spectrum. Also, there are transitory conditions that present with ciliary anomalies, secondary to infectious diseases of the airways. AIM: To descube clinical and ultrastructural findings and clinical and therapeutic evolution of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records and electron microscopy findings of 33 patients (aged 1 to 21 years, 14 females) with ultrastructural diagnosis of CD. To obtain follow up information, a telephone survey was done. RESULTS: In 30 patients (90%) the inner dynein arm (IDA) was absent in 50 or more percent of the cilia. Twenty two (66%) had absence of the outer dynein arm. Before diagnosis of CD, 19 patients (57%) presented recurrent otitis media, 25 patients (77%), three or more episodes of rhinosinusitis and 18 patients (56%) had recurrent pneumonia. Middle ear ventilation tubes were placed in 19 patients (57%), and during its use, 12 (68%) remained without othorrea. Sixteen patients (48%) with recurrent episodes of rhinosinusitis required adenoidectomy Seven (21%) required a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and 6 (86%) improved after FESS. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients with CD presented recurrent infections in different airway locations. In those with a diagnosis of CD and recurrent otológica! and rhinosinusal infections, IDA was absent in a high percentage of cilia. FESS and the use of ventilation tubes may have a beneficial role in a subgroup of patients with CD.

Disquinesia ciliar: diagnóstico ultraestructural, evolución clínica y alternativas de tratamiento / Clinical and ultrastructural features of ciliary dyskinesia

Background: Ciliary dyskinesia (CD) is a low incidence genetic illness, that presents with a wide clinical spectrum. Also, there are transitory conditions that present with ciliary anomalies, secondary to infectious diseases of the airways. Aim: To descube clinical and ultrastructural findings and clinical and therapeutic evolution of these patients. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records and electron microscopy findings of 33 patients (aged 1 to 21 years, 14 females) with ultrastructural diagnosis of CD. To obtain follow up information, a telephone survey was done. Results: In 30 patients (90 percent) the inner dynein arm (IDA) was absent in 50 or more percent of the cilia. Twenty two (66 percent) had absence of the outer dynein arm. Before diagnosis of CD, 19 patients (57 percent) presented recurrent otitis media, 25 patients (77 percent), three or more episodes of rhinosinusitis and 18 patients (56 percent) had recurrent pneumonia. Middle ear ventilation tubes were placed in 19 patients (57 percent), and during its use, 12 (68 percent) remained without othorrea. Sixteen patients (48 percent) with recurrent episodes of rhinosinusitis required adenoidectomy Seven (21 percent) required a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and 6 (86 percent) improved after FESS. Conclusions: Our patients with CD presented recurrent infections in different airway locations. In those with a diagnosis of CD and recurrent otol¢gica! and rhinosinusal infections, IDA was absent in a high percentage of cilia. FESS and the use of ventilation tubes may have a beneficial role in a subgroup of patients with CD.

Medición de los niveles de ruido ambiental en la ciudad de Santiago de Chile / Environmental noise levels measurement of the city of Santiago, Chile

Introducción. Un estudio realizado en Santiago en 1989, estimó que 1.300.000 personas estaban sometidas a niveles de ruido inaceptables por las normas internacionales. Considerando que no existen publicaciones sobre ruido ambiental realizadas por otorrinolaringólogos, y que el tema no ha sido revisado en los últimos 15 años, quisimos actualizar la información al respecto. Material y método. Se evaluó el ruido en lugares que afectan la rutina del ciudadano común, independiente de su profesión: Barrio residencial, parques, discotecas, bar-discoteque, calles principales, buses de transporte urbano habituales, buses de transporte urbano del proyecto transantiago y Metro. Las mediciones se realizaron con un sonómetro integrador, según lo establecido por la normas de la Comisión Nacional del Medio Ambiente (CONAMA), durante los meses de julio a septiembre del 2006. Resultados. Las discotecas son el lugar con mayor contaminación acústica. En relación a la Avda . Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda), el nivel de ruido: 80.5 dB(A), se mantiene constante en diferentes puntos de medición. Entre el transporte público, el metro tiene los niveles de ruido más altos: 87 dB (A). No existen diferencias entre los buses antiguos o micros amarillas y los del proyecto transantiago. Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados ponen una nota de alerta mostrando que el nivel de ruido en Santiago, para la gran mayoría de los parámetros, son superiores a las normas establecidas.

Introduction. A study carried out in Santiago in 1989 estimated that 1,300,000 people were exposed to noise levels unacceptable by international standards. Considering that there are no reports of environmental noise evaluations performed by otorhinolaryngologists, and that the subject has not been reviewed in the past 15 years, in this paper we present up-to-date information on the topic. Materials and methods. Noise levels were evaluated in several places that are part of the common citizen life, disregarding their profession: Residential neighborhoods, parks, discos, pubs, main streets, city buses (old and new system), and subway. Measurements were taken using an integrating sound level meter, according to CONAMA standards, between the months of July and September, 2006. Results. The highest noise pollution was found in discos. With regard to the main avenue in Santiago, Libertador B. O'Higgins, noise levels (80 dB (A)) remained constant in different measured points. As of public transportation, the subway had the higher noise levels (87 dB (A)). There were no differences between the old and new public transit buses. Conclusions. Our results raise an environmental alert, showing that the noise level in Santiago, for most parameters, is above international standards.