Scleredema diabeticorum in a patient: un uncommon etiology of restrictive lung pattern Escleredema diabeticorum en un paciente: una etiología infrecuente de patrón restrictivo pulmonar.

Scleredema adultorum of Buschke is a rare skin disease characterized by skin thickening and tightening typically at the neck and the upper part of the body. This thickening results from increased mucin deposition in the reticular dermis. Three variants are recognized. Scleredema diabeticorum is one subtype associated with diabetes mellitus. We report a man with a history of poorly controlled diabetes presenting with extensive scleredema adultorum of the trunk in a "cuirasse" pattern associated with restrictive lung disease. Cutaneous ultrasonography revealed a marked thickening of the dermis as well as various echogenic spots in the dermis. Cutaneous hardness secondary to scleredema may cause limited mobility. Therefore, respiratory manifestations may be associated and assessed, mainly in cases of extensive scleredema involving trunk and shoulders. Moreover, cutaneous ultrasonography may be useful to monitor the evolution of scleredema and confirm the diagnosis.

Osificación heterotópica de las piernas en un varón / Report of a man with heterotopic ossification of the legs

La osificación heterotópica es un trastorno infrecuente que consiste en el depósito de tejido óseo extraesquelético. En la piel, puede ser primario, en el contexto de síndromes genéticos, o secundario a trastornos muy diversos. Dentro de las formas secundarias, la osificación subcutánea de las piernas por insuficiencia venosa crónica es una complicación infrecuente y poco reportada. Presentamos un paciente con osificación subcutánea de las piernas secundaria a insuficiencia venosa y revisamos la literatura

Heterotopic ossification is an uncommon disorder that consists of deposition of ectopic bone outside the extraskeletal tissues. In the skin, it can be primary, in association with genetic syndromes, or be secondary to different disorders. The latter include subcutaneous ossification of the legs in chronic venousinsufficiency, an infrequent and unrecognized complication. We report the case of a patient with subcutaneous ossification of both legs secondary to venous insufficiency and review the literature

Report of a man with heterotopic ossification of the legs. / Osificación heterotópica de las piernas en un varón.

Heterotopic ossification is an uncommon disorder that consists of deposition of ectopic bone outside the extraskeletal tissues. In the skin, it can be primary, in association with genetic syndromes, or be secondary to different disorders. The latter include subcutaneous ossification of the legs in chronic venousinsufficiency, an infrequent and unrecognized complication. We report the case of a patient with subcutaneous ossification of both legs secondary to venous insufficiency and review the literature.

[URISCAM project: Multicenter evaluation of the UF-Series cytometer in the urinary tract infections screening]. / Proyecto URISCAM: Evaluación multicéntrica del citómetro UF-Series en el despistaje de infecciones urinarias.

OBJECTIVE: Urine culture, the gold standard to confirm the presence of urinary tract infection (UTI), is the most requested assay in the microbiology department. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic yield of the UF-Series cytometer as a screening method for UTI. METHODS: All the urine samples sent to the six Microbiology Laboratories participating in a period of 5 working days were analyzed. We collected demographic variables, apart from those variables related to urine samples: source and sample type (midstream, catheterized or nephrostomy urines), collection with/without boric acid, cytometer parameters (leukocyturia, bacteriuria, bacteria morphology and epithelial cells) and urine culture results. ROC curves were plotted to determine predictive capacity of the cytometer. RESULTS: A sample of 2,468 patients with average age of 53 years were processed (ratio women:men 2:1). Urine culture detected 23% of positive urine samples. The predictor variables of UTI were: morphology of bacilli, bacteriuria ≥21 bacteria/µL, age ≥65 years, samples collected in the emergency service and hospitalization and preserving conditions. With 21 bacteria/µL as a cut-off point, we obtained a sensitivity of 93.3% and 94.5% negative predictive value, then reducing the samples to be cultured by 28.9% with 1.6% false negatives. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the UF-Series is a valid and accurate tool for the detection of UTI. Therefore, it could be used as screening method in the clinical practice prior to the urine culture, reducing culture requirement by approximately 30%, with a low false negative rate.

Sysmex UF-1000i flow cytometer to screen urinary tract infections: the URISCAM multicentre study.

The new Sysmex UF-1000i analyzer - which incorporates bacteria morphology distinction - allows to automatically screen samples to be cultured at microbiology laboratories. We have evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of Sysmex UF-1000i to screen urinary tract infections (UTIs). A total amount of 2468 urine samples from six Spanish hospitals were analysed. Demographic and clinical data such as age, gender, source and sample type, preserving conditions, cytometer parameters (bacteria, leucocytes and bacteria morphology) as well as urine culture results (gold standard) were recorded. After applying data mining techniques, the variables of age, bacteria count and rod morphology were defined as predictive variables of UTIs. By using the UF-1000i in combination with a predictive algorithm of three decision rules, we could identify 94·9 and 47·4% positive and negative urine samples, respectively, with a negative predictive value of 97 and only 1·17% diagnostic error. This error was reduced down to 0·4% when contaminated samples were excluded. Our results show that flow cytometry parameters together with age, by means of a predictive algorithm model, can be used to screen UTIs. Its implementation would avoid culturing 38% of urine samples, and therefore, would reduce time to diagnosis with a discrete false negative ratio. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Fluorescent flow cytometry performance has recently spread for urine screening. However, controversy about cytometer results can be drawn from medical literature. This study shows the diagnosis accuracy of Sysmex UF-1000i analyzer by means of a group of decision rules encompassing both demographic variables (age) and cytometer parameters (bacteria, leucocytes and bacteria morphology). After applying the predictive algorithm, the UF-1000i could optimally identify 95% urinary tract infections with high negative predictive value and low diagnostic error. Implementation of UF-1000i would avoid culturing almost 38% of urine samples, thus reducing time to diagnosis, unnecessary antibiotic treatments and consequently improving cost-effectiveness.

Hallazgos en Tomografía Computarizada de la hidatidosis peritoneal complicada con una fístula quistocólica / Computed tomography findings in peritoneal echinococcosis complicated with a cyst-colonic fistula

No disponible

Nuevos criterios ASAS para el diagnóstico de espondiloartritis. Diagnóstico de sacroileítis por resonancia magnética / New ASAS criteria for the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis: Diagnosing sacroiliitis by magnetic resonance imaging

La sacroileítis radiográfica ha formado parte del diagnóstico de las espondiloartropatías desde su inclusión en los criterios de Roma en 1961. Sin embargo, en la última década, la resonancia magnética (RM) ha demostrado ser más sensible para valorar las articulaciones sacroilíacas en los pacientes con sospecha de espondiloartritis y síntomas de sacroileítis, no solo para diagnosticarla, sino también para seguir la evolución de la enfermedad y el tratamiento de estos pacientes. El grupo The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) desarrolló en el año 2009 unos criterios para clasificar y diagnosticar a los pacientes con espondiloartritis, entre los que destacaba la inclusión de un estudio de RM positivo para sacroileítis como criterio diagnóstico mayor. Este artículo incide en la parte radiológica de esta clasificación. Se describen e ilustran las diferentes alteraciones que podemos encontrarnos en los estudios de RM en pacientes con sacroileítis, resaltando las limitaciones y potenciales errores diagnósticos (AU)

Radiographic sacroiliitis has been included in the diagnostic criteria for spondyloarthropathies since the Rome criteria were defined in 1961. However, in the last ten years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven more sensitive in the evaluation of the sacroiliac joints in patients with suspected spondyloarthritis and symptoms of sacroiliitis; MRI has proven its usefulness not only for diagnosis of this disease, but also for the follow-up of the disease and response to treatment in these patients. In 2009, The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) developed a new set of criteria for classifying and diagnosing patients with spondyloarthritis; one important development with respect to previous classifications is the inclusion of MRI positive for sacroiliitis as a major diagnostic criterion. This article focuses on the radiologic part of the new classification. We describe and illustrate the different alterations that can be seen on MRI in patients with sacroiliitis, pointing out the limitations of the technique and diagnostic pitfalls (AU)

[New ASAS criteria for the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis: diagnosing sacroiliitis by magnetic resonance imaging]. / Nuevos criterios ASAS para el diagnóstico de espondiloartritis. Diagnóstico de sacroileítis por resonancia magnética.

Radiographic sacroiliitis has been included in the diagnostic criteria for spondyloarthropathies since the Rome criteria were defined in 1961. However, in the last ten years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven more sensitive in the evaluation of the sacroiliac joints in patients with suspected spondyloarthritis and symptoms of sacroiliitis; MRI has proven its usefulness not only for diagnosis of this disease, but also for the follow-up of the disease and response to treatment in these patients. In 2009, The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) developed a new set of criteria for classifying and diagnosing patients with spondyloarthritis; one important development with respect to previous classifications is the inclusion of MRI positive for sacroiliitis as a major diagnostic criterion. This article focuses on the radiologic part of the new classification. We describe and illustrate the different alterations that can be seen on MRI in patients with sacroiliitis, pointing out the limitations of the technique and diagnostic pitfalls.

Mycophenolate as maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis with impaired renal function.

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolate (MF) is effective as a maintenance therapy after induction therapy in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). However, little is known about its role in patients with impaired renal function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MF as a maintenance therapy for LN and its association with renal function. METHODS: Data were obtained for 56 Spanish patients who were receiving MF as a maintenance therapy for LN. Patients were classified into two groups according to renal function at the initiation of MF treatment: group 1 [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)] and group 2 (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). The primary endpoints of the study were the rates of renal relapse and responses, and their relationship with baseline renal function. Secondary outcomes were the appearance of side effects during treatment. RESULTS: At initiation of MF treatment, the only differences between the groups were for age, hemoglobin levels, anti-DNA antibody titer, proteinuria, and renal function. In group 1 (n = 38), the eGFR was 98 ± 34 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and in group 2 (n = 18) the eGFR was 43 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Only 3 cases had an eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m(2). No significant differences were observed in the rate of relapse at 6 months (group 1: 20%; group 2: 23%) or at 12 months (group 1: 25%; group 2: 17%). Response rates were also similar in both groups. Side effects were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: MF is effective and safe as a maintenance therapy for LN both in patients with normal renal function and in those with renal impairment.

Estadificación ganglionar axilar prequirúrgica en el cáncer de mama: parámetros ecográficos y biopsia con aguja gruesa ecoguiada / Preoperative staging of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer: ultrasonographic parameters and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy

Objetivo. Analizar el papel de la biopsia con aguja gruesa de adenopatías axilares con sospecha ecográfica de metástasis en pacientes con cáncer de mama, y la correlación radiopatológica. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 74 pacientes diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama, a las que se realizó biopsia con aguja gruesa ecoguiada de adenopatías axilares con características ecográficas indicativas de metástasis. Consideramos hallazgos ecográficos sospechosos de metástasis: engrosamiento cortical, alteración de la grasa hiliar y/o flujo vascular cortical no hiliar. Las pacientes con biopsia axilar negativa se incluyeron en el protocolo de biopsia de ganglio centinela. Resultados. La biopsia con aguja gruesa confirmó metástasis ganglionar en 47 (63,5%) pacientes. Las 27 pacientes (36,5%) con biopsia negativa se incluyeron en el protocolo de biopsia de ganglio centinela y 3 (11%) presentaron ganglio centinela positivo, realizándose linfadenectomía axilar. De las 50 adenopatías con metástasis, 44 (88%) presentaron engrosamiento cortical, 20 (40%) alteración de la grasa hiliar y 29 (58%) flujo vascular cortical no hiliar. En todas las adenopatías con engrosamiento cortical y flujo vascular cortical no hiliar la biopsia fue positiva, indicando un valor predictivo positivo del 100% en esta serie. Conclusiones. La biopsia con aguja gruesa ecoguiada de adenopatías axilares con sospecha ecográfica de metástasis por cáncer de mama es un procedimiento con alta efectividad diagnóstica y baja morbilidad. La presencia de engrosamiento cortical y flujo vascular cortical no hiliar en la misma adenopatía mostró un valor predictivo positivo del 100% en esta serie (AU)

Objective. To analyze the role of core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes with suspected metastases from breast cancer and to correlate the imaging and histologic findings. Material and methods. We retrospectively studied 74 patients diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes with characteristics suggestive of metastases on ultrasonography. The following ultrasonographic findings were considered suspicious for metastases: cortical thickening and changes in the hilar fat and/or non-hilar cortical vascular flow. Patients with negative findings after axillary biopsy underwent sentinel node biopsy. Results. Core needle biopsy confirmed lymph node metastases in 47 (63.5%) patients. The 27 patients (36.5%) with negative findings after lymph node biopsy underwent sentinel node biopsy; 3 (11%) of these had a positive sentinel lymph node and underwent axillary lymph node resection. Of the 50 lymph nodes with metastases, 44 (88%) had cortical thickening, 20 (40%) had changes in the hilar fat, and 29 (58%) had non-hilar cortical vascular flow. All biopsies of lymph nodes with both cortical thickening and non-hilar cortical vascular flow were positive, yielding a 100% positive predictive value in this series. Conclusions. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes that are suspicious for metastases from breast cancer at ultrasonography is a highly effective procedure that has low morbidity. Findings of cortical thickening and non-hilar cortical vascular flow in the same lymph node yield a positive predictive value of 100% in this series (AU)

[Preoperative staging of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer: ultrasonographic parameters and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy]. / Estadificación ganglionar axilar prequirúrgica en el cáncer de mama: parámetros ecográficos y biopsia con aguja gruesa ecoguiada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes with suspected metastases from breast cancer and to correlate the imaging and histologic findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 74 patients diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes with characteristics suggestive of metastases on ultrasonography. The following ultrasonographic findings were considered suspicious for metastases: cortical thickening and changes in the hilar fat and/or non-hilar cortical vascular flow. Patients with negative findings after axillary biopsy underwent sentinel node biopsy. RESULTS: Core needle biopsy confirmed lymph node metastases in 47 (63.5%) patients. The 27 patients (36.5%) with negative findings after lymph node biopsy underwent sentinel node biopsy; 3 (11%) of these had a positive sentinel lymph node and underwent axillary lymph node resection. Of the 50 lymph nodes with metastases, 44 (88%) had cortical thickening, 20 (40%) had changes in the hilar fat, and 29 (58%) had non-hilar cortical vascular flow. All biopsies of lymph nodes with both cortical thickening and non-hilar cortical vascular flow were positive, yielding a 100% positive predictive value in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of axillary lymph nodes that are suspicious for metastases from breast cancer at ultrasonography is a highly effective procedure that has low morbidity. Findings of cortical thickening and non-hilar cortical vascular flow in the same lymph node yield a positive predictive value of 100% in this series.

Estudio descriptivo del cribado de cromosomopatías en el primer trimestre de la gestación, en el Hospital Clínico San Carlos de Madrid, España / Observational study of screening for chromosomal abnormalities during first trimester of gestation in Clinic Hospital San Carlos, Madrid, Spain

Antecedentes: El cribado combinado de cromosomopatías, fundamentalmente trisomía 21, en el primer trimestre de gestación, se introdujo en los años '90 y está basado en un cálculo del riesgo a través de la combinación de la edad materna, la translucencia nucal fetal (TN), y los marcadores bioquímicos maternos (PAPP-A y fBHCG). Mediante esta combinación de marcadores se obtiene una sensibilidad para aneuploidías del 85-90 por ciento, con una tasa de falsos positivos (FP) del 5 por ciento. Objetivo: El propósito de este trabajo es describir la población cribada y analizar los resultados desde la implantación de la técnica en nuestro centro. Método: Estudio observacional de la población gestante que acudió para cribado de cromosomopatías durante el primer trimestre de la gestación al Hospital Clínico San Carlos, desde julio de 1999 hasta diciembre de 2009. Resultados: El tamaño muestral fue de 21.194 gestaciones simples, con un 12,5 por ciento de mujeres con más de una gestación y 141 casos de aneuploidía (6,6 por ciento). Se describe las características de la población y el comportamiento de las variables estudiadas. La sensibilidad del cribado combinado fue del 70 por ciento, con una tasa de FP de 2,3 por ciento. Conclusión: La tasa de detección del cribado combinado de cromosomopatías en el primer trimestre de gestación, es menor que la publicada en la literatura, aunque ha ido mejorando con los años, probablemente por una mejor formación de los ecografistas. En contraposición, la tasa de FP es muy baja.

Background: Screening for aneuploidies, mainly trisomy 21, during the first trimester of gestation, was introduced in the '90s and is based on a calculation of the risk through the combination of maternal age, nuchal translucency (NT) and biochemical parameters (PAPP-A and fBHCG). By means of this combination we can obtain a detection rate for aneuploidies of 85-90 percent, with a false positive rate of 5 percent. Objective: To describe our population and analyze our results related to combined screening for aneuploidies, during the period of time it has been performed in our hospital. Methods: Observational study of all pregnant women who attended Hospital Clínico San Carlos for screening of chromosomopaties during first trimester of gestation, from July 1999 to December 2009. Results: Sample size was 21,194 single pregnancies, with 12,5 percent of women with more than one gestation, and 141 cases of aneuploidy (6,6 percent). We describe the characteristics of our population and the distribution of the parameters studied. Combined screening had a detection rate of 70 percent with a false positive rate of 2,3 percent. Conclusion: Screening for aneuploidies during first trimester of gestation, in Hospital Clínico San Carlos, has a lower detection rate than previously reported. However, the false positive rate is very low.

Solución del caso 9. Tumor de Askin / Solution to case 9. Askin tumor

No disponible

Eficacia y efectos secundarios de 3 técnicas analgesicas en el control del dolor postoperatorio en artroplastia de rodilla / Efficacy and side effects of three analgesic techniques for postoperative pai management after total knee arthroplasty

Objetivo El dolor postoperatorio en artroplastia total de rodilla, a¨²n consider¨¢ndose uno de los m¨¢s severos, es un reto por resolver. Con nuestro estudio pretendemos analizar y comparar la eficacia analg¨¦sica, incidencia y severidad de efectos secundarios de una pauta epidural, otra consistente en bloqueo femoral y una pauta intravenosa con morfina. Material y m¨¦todos Se trata de un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se revisan 359 hojas de seguimiento de pacientes sometidos a artroplastia total de rodilla. Seg¨²n la pauta analg¨¦sica que recibieron en el postoperatorio fueron asignados a tres grupos diferentes: a) Grupo Femoral (n=56) a los que se realiz¨® bloqueo femoral continuo con ropivacaina al 0,2 %. En todos los casos se asoci¨® un bloqueo del nervio ci¨¢tico mediante punci¨®n ¨²nica medio-femoral con ropivacaina al 0,2%. b) Grupo epidural (n=135) a los que se coloca cat¨¦ter epidural lumbar mediante el cu¨¢l se administra bupivacaina bal 0,07%+ fentanilo 2 ¦Ìg/ml. c) Grupo intravenoso (n=168) a los que se administra morfina intravenosa. En todas las pautas el modo de administraci¨®n es mediante perfusi¨®n continua con PCA. Todos los pacientes recibieron como analgesia complementaria Paracetamol IV 1g/6h. Valoramos el grado de analgesia en reposo, n¨¢useas y v¨®mitos, bloqueo motor, sedaci¨®n, prurito y necesidad de analgesia de rescate en las primeras 24 horas del postoperatorio. Resultados No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a eficacia analg¨¦sica entre las 3 pautas analizadas. Igualmente, no encontramos diferencias significativas respecto a sedaci¨®n ni na¨²seas y v¨®mitos, siendo el bloqueo motor y el prurito superiores en los casos de bloqueo femoral y epidural respectivamente. Conclusiones Aunque el perfil de efectos secundarios sea discretamente mayor en cuanto a prurito en el grupo epidural y bloqueo motor en el grupo femoral, no podemos afirmar la superioridad en cuanto a eficacia analg¨¦sica de ninguna estrategia con respecto a otra

Purpose Despite the fact that it is expected and intense, postoperative pain after knee arthroplasty is still an unresolved challenge. In our study we intend to analyse and compare analgesic efficacy, incidence and severity of adverse effects resulting from three different techniques: a )Epidural analgesia , b)Femoral block, and c) intravenous analgesia with morphine. Patients and Methods An observational and retrospective study is presented, reviewing data obtained from 359 patients who had a total knee arthroplasty: Patients were assigned to three different groups, according to the method of pain relief that was prescribed for each of them: a) Femoral group (n=56).A continuous femoral block was performed using ropivacaine 0.2%. Sciatic block was associated on each patient (single injection at middle femoral point with ropivacaine 0.2%). b) Epidural group (n=135).This figure includes patients in whom an epidural catheter was inserted and bupivacaine 0.07% plus fentanyl 2 mc./ml was administered through the catheter. c) Intravenous group (n=168). Intravenous morphine was administered to this group of patients. Each analgesic plan included continuous perfusion of drugs via PCA devices, and paracetamol (1g iv every 6 hourly) was prescribed as complementary analgesia in all the cases. Parameters to evaluate: analgesia obtained at rest, nausea and vomiting, motor blockade, sedation, pruritus and complementary analgesia given in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Results. Significative differences were not appreciated at the moment of evaluation of the analgesic efficiency of the three analgesic plans. Equally, sedation, nausea and vomiting had the same incidence in all groups. Motor blockade and pruritus appeared more frequently in the cases treated with femoral block and epidural catheter respectively. Conclusion We can not assert that any of the analgesic strategies was superior to the others as to its analgesic effectiveness, although pruritus appeared in the epidural group and motor blockade did in the femoral group, as adverse effects in few cases

[Embolization of non-functioning renal allograft: efficacy and control of systemic inflammation]. / Embolización del injerto renal no funcionante: eficacia y control del estado inflamatorio crónico.

BACKGROUND: The graft intolerance syndrome (fever, pain, haematuria) may lead to a chronic inflammatory disease, with cardiovascular repercussion. Nephrectomy is considered the classical treatment of these cases but nowadays renal vascular embolization has been suggested as a possible alternative treatment. The present study concerns seven cases trated with renal vascular embolization in our hospital summarizing data of graft intolerance syndrome and the chronic inflammatory disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between january 2000 and december 2003 seven renal vascular embolization were performed in nonfunctioning renal allograft. The procedure was made with calibrated particles of 300-500micron. Data about complications related to the technique the same as analitic inflammatory parameters before and after treatment (CRP, ferritin, serum albumin, hemoglobin, erythropoietin) were registered. RESULTS: The patients were two men and five women, with median age of 39,7 +/- 8,8 years. The period beween the dialysis and the embolization was of 10,0 +/-8,2 months. Comparing the perion of admission in the hospital due to nephrectomy which was of 17,86+/-4,41 days, the period because of embolization was shorter, being 8,14 +/- 4,53 days. All analitic parameters studied, clearly improved after embolization with decrease of ferritin and CRP, increase of albumin and better hemoglobin level with lower erythropoietin dose. In five of the seven patients there was no renal captation with CT or gammagraphy. Four patients presented a postembolization syndrome, but no other important complication was registered. Neither reembolization nor renal nephrectomy was neccesary in any of the seven cases. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous renal embolization is a simple, easy, safety and effective technique that must be considered as an alternative treatment to nephrectomy, resolving the chronic inflammatory disease secondary to the graft intolerance syndrome.

[Influence of early or late referral to nephrologist over morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis]. / Referencia precoz y tardía al nefrólogo, su influencia en la morbi-mortalidad en hemodiálisis.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the influence of early vs late referral to nephrologist of patients with chronic renal failure over clinical situation at the onset of hemodialysis and outcome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From january 1994 to december 1998, 139 patients started hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease at the Hospital General de Albacete, all of them included in the study and clinical follow-up concluded in december 2001. Patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis were excluded. Early (ER) and late referral (LR) were defined by the time of first nephrology encounter greater than or less than 6 months respectively, before iniciation of hemodialysis. RESULTS: 106 patients (76.25%) were referred early; mean follow-up time 6.3 +/- 4.5 years. 33 patients (23.74%) had late referral, follow-up time was less then six months, 18 patients were followed during less than 4 weeks. There were no differences in demographic data and comorbid conditions between LR and ER patients (age, cardiac and vascular disease, diabetes, neoplasia...). Mean plasma concentration of creatinine and urea was significantly greater, whereas hematocrit and albumin were less in the LRA than the ER group. Emergency dialysis through central vein catheterisation was more frequent in the LR group. Number of admissions and duration of hospital stay were higher in the LR group. No significant differences in nutrition, dialysis doses or anemia were found between the two groups after 6 and 12 months of hemodialysis. Long term outcome was similar in both groups: no significant differences were found in percentage of patients transplanted or deceased after 3 years of treatment. Survival analysis failed to show a difference between ER and LR groups (mean survival time was 73.6 +/- 4.3 months and 73.0 +/- 6 months respectively). CONCLUSION: Late referral to the nephrologist is associated with increased early morbidity vs early referral, although long term outcome is not worse if predialysis comorbid conditions are comparable and dialysis care achieve equal results in dialysis doses, nutrition and anemia in both groups in the first months of treatment. Improvement of outcome of patients referred early to the nephrologist will depend on the adoption of preventive measures over comorbidity factors that should be applied in early stages of renal disease.

Long-term experience with the Thomas shunt, the forgotten permanent vascular access for haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access complications are the main cause of hospitalization in dialysis patients. The difficulty in creating and maintaining vascular access after several years on haemodialysis (HD) remains the primary problem in these patients. The femoro-femoral Thomas shunt is a permanent vascular access that was used in the 1970s and is all but forgotten at present. We analysed our experience with the Thomas shunt since 1979 in patients with no other possibility of regular vascular access. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 27 Thomas shunts implanted in 10 patients, aged 27-75 years at the time of first shunt implantation. Prior to implantation of the Thomas shunt, these patients had experienced 80 failed vascular accesses (plus four patients on CAPD), with an average of 8.6 accesses per patient. All Thomas shunts were implanted in femoral vessels. Clinical data were extracted from hospital and dialysis unit records and were analysed for efficacy, complications, and duration of patency. RESULTS: Total follow-up was 1176 months, with an average shunt duration of 43.7 months (range 3-151 months). One-, 2-, 3- and 6-year survival rates were 85, 57, 49 and 25% respectively. Five patients spent more than 10 years on HD using the Thomas shunt, and one patient had the same unit for 12.5 years. A high blood flow (450 ml/min) was obtained, without recirculation, due to the characteristics of this shunt. Efficacy, measured as percentage urea reduction (PRU), was high (on average 77.8+/-1.5%). The infection incidence was one episode every 37.5 patient-months, Staphylococcus species being the most commonly isolated. There were no shunt removals because of infection. The most important cause of shunt withdrawal was thrombosis, with an incidence of one episode every 7 patient-months. Percutaneous angioplasty was successful in the majority of stenosis episodes. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the Thomas shunt provides a good permanent vascular access for HD patients who have no other possibility of a regular vascular access. This shunt offers high dialysis efficacy without recirculation and an access duration comparable to AV fistulae. For these reasons the Thomas shunt should continue to be used as a vascular access in HD.

[Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome: analysis of a series of 7 cases]. / Síndrome hemofagocítico reactivo: análisis de una serie de siete casos.

We report a series of seven patients with reactive hemophagocytic syndrome, which was quite characteristic of its etiological spectrum. Infections were the leading cause, among them a case associated with HIV and another one with Salmonella enteritidis (a hitherto unreported association). The clinical findings consisted of fever, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, rash and pancytopenia. The diagnosis was carried out by bone marrow aspiration-biopsy except in two patients who were diagnosed at autopsy. The difficulty of the differentiation from malignant histiocytosis is discussed: one case of hemophagocytic syndrome due to diphenylhydantoin toxicity (the second reported one in the literature) was histologically undistinguishable from it. We think that, in any etiology, hemophagocytic syndrome is a reactive syndrome with variable intensity. The need for extensive microbiological investigation even in cases of histiocytosis of neoplastic appearance is emphasized.