Intralesional Vessel Diameter Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Could Improve the Differential Diagnosis of Small Melanocytic Choroidal Lesions.

In this study, we aimed to identify the features of indeterminate choroidal melanocytic lesions visualized on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to identify the predictors of growth. We retrospectively evaluated 86 patients with indeterminate lesions treated at our centre from 2016 to 2021. Clinical management involved active surveillance followed by brachytherapy if growth was detected. The lesions were classified into two groups according to whether they grew (small melanomas) or remained stable (choroidal nevi). Growth was detected in 19 (22.1%) lesions. All patients underwent OCTA at baseline. These images were compared to identify the possible predictors of growth. Significant between-group differences were observed in thickness (p = 0.00), greatest basal diameter (p = 0.00), number of risk factors (p = 0.00), symptoms (p = 0.001; relative risk [RR]: 4.3), orange pigment (p = 0.00; RR: 6.02), and ultrasonographic hollowness (Kappa sign); p = 0.000; RR: 5.3). The melanomas had significantly more vessels with a diameter ≥ 76.3 µm (p = 0.02; RR: 2.46). The time to growth in these lesions was significantly shorter (p = 0.05) than in lesions with smaller vessels. These findings show that vessel diameter quantified by OCTA can help differentiate between choroidal nevi and small melanomas, when considered together with clinical risk factors.

Changes in vessel density patterns assessed with OCTA in patients with diabetic macular edema treated with anti-VEGF therapy.

AIMS: To determine the presence of sectoral changes in vessel density (VD) patterns induced by vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Prospective, interventional study. A total of 43 patients (63 eyes) were initially enrolled in the study. We performed swept source (SS) OCT and sectorial OCTA measurement to determine parafoveal VD at baseline and after six months of anti-VEGF treatment. In the locations with statistically significant differences in VD between baseline and month 6, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine which, if any, of the baseline variables were associated with the observed changes. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (48 eyes) were included in the final analysis. Mean VD decreased from baseline to month 6 (from 45.2 (± 3.5) to 44.6 (± 3.2) % in the SCP and from 50 (± 3.3) to 49 (± 3.9) % in the DCP). The only significant changes in VD were observed in the nasal sector of the deep capillary plexus, with a decrease of 2.9% (p = 0.001). On univariate and multivariate analyses, the only variable significantly associated with changes in VD in the nasal sector after 6 months of treatment was baseline VD in the same sector. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF therapy has a small impact on VD values over time. These variations observed after treatment seems to be related to changes over areas of vascular anomalies and displaced vessels adjacent to cystic areas, with no significant changes over ischemic areas. No correlation was observed between this trend and other clinical baseline features.

New Psychometric Evidence of the Grief Impairment Scale (GIS) in People Who Have Experienced the Death of a Loved One From a Network Psychometric Approach in Two Latin American Countries.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Grief Impairment Scale (GIS) using a network psychometric model. A total of 1048 individuals from Peru and El Salvador participated. A network psychometric model was used to determine internal structure, reliability, and cross-country invariance. The results indicate that the GIS items were grouped into a single network structure through Exploratory Graph Analysis. Reliability was estimated by structural consistency, and it was found that when replicating the network structure within an empirical dimension, a single network structure was consistently obtained, and all items remained stable. Furthermore, the network structure was invariant, thus functioning similarly across the different country groups. In conclusion, the GIS presented solid psychometric evidence of validity based on its internal structure, reliability, and cross-country invariance. Therefore, the GIS is a psychometrically sound measure of functional impairment symptoms due to grief for Peruvian and Salvadoran individuals.

Development and Validation of the Binge Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS) / Desarrollo y validación de la escala del trastorno por atracón (BEDS)

Objective: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is one of the most frequent eating disorders presentations. The primary symptom is recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by a large amount of food in a short period and a sense of losing control over eating. BED could contribute to the development of obesity and its complications. The study aimed to design and validate a scale to identify risk behaviors for BED.Methods: An instrumental design was used to describe the development and initial validation of the new brief scale, BEDS. Participants were 345 adults who completed the self-report questions and reported BED episodes in the past three months.Results: The BEDS was initially composed of 10 items to ended up with 6 items due to analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In the analysis process, 3 models were explored within which a unidimensional model with 6 items was maintained. Likewise, reliability was adequate (α = 0.922; ω = 0.924). On the other hand, it was proved that the instrument correctly assesses binge eating behavior when comparing groups, where it was obtained that those who had identified episodes of binge eating in their life maintained higher averages in the test than those who did not present this problem. Similarly, there were more episodes in women than in men, and in those who presented burnout.Conclusion: BEDS demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and is useful for future research.(AU)

Pandemic Grief and Suicidal Ideation in Latin American Countries: A Network Analysis.

This study aimed to characterize the network structure of pandemic grief symptoms and suicidal ideation in 2174 people from eight Latin American countries. Pandemic grief and suicidal ideation were measured using the Pandemic Grief Scale and a single item, respectively. Network analysis provides an in-depth characterization of symptom-symptom interactions within mental disorders. The results indicated that, "desire to die," "apathy" and "absence of sense of life" are the most central symptoms in a pandemic grief symptom network; therefore, these symptoms could be focal elements for preventive and treatment efforts. Suicidal ideation, the wish to die, and the absence of meaning in life had the strongest relationship. In general, the network structure did not differ among the participating countries. It identifies specific symptoms within the network that may increase the likelihood of their co-occurrence and is useful at the therapeutic level.

Correlation between Topographic Vessel Density and Retinal Thickness Changes in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Anti-VEGF Therapy: Is It a Suitable OCTA Biomarker?

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between topographic vessel density (VD) and retinal thickness (RT) reductions induced by vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). This was a prospective, interventional case series. VD and RT measurements were separately taken in four parafoveal subfields at baseline and after six months of treatment. This correlation was statistically assessed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The study included a total of 48 eyes in the final analysis. Mean VD decreased from baseline to month 6 (from 45.2 (±3.5) to 44.6% (±3.2) in the superficial capillary plexus and from 50 (±3.3) to 49% (±3.9) in the deep capillary plexus). Statistically significant reductions in RT were observed in all ETDRS sectors (p < 0.0001). No significant association was found between RT and VD, even when analyzing responders and non-responders separately. After six months of anti-VEGF treatment, no significant correlation was observed between the topographic VD and RT values. These findings suggest that reductions in VD values may not solely result from a reduction in microaneurysms, also being affected by the repositioning of displaced vessels due to edema and a reduction in their caliber. Therefore, VD changes may not be a suitable indirect OCTA biomarker of microaneurysm turnover and treatment response.

Medical Research Trends in Undergraduate Psychological Theses: A report from a South American country

Introduction: Psychological research can be developed by researchers and also by undergraduate or postgraduate students. In an undergraduate level, psychological research is specially challenging due to the limited ability of students to develop coherent and logical research problems and methodological approaches. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the main research trends in undergraduate psychological theses from Peruvian universities. As a specific objective, quantitative and qualitative research design trends were distinguished. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective systematic review of psychological research thesis of Peruvian undergraduate students was conducted, starting the data extraction process starting with RENATI database for an initial screening phase. Data analysis was conducted in two phases. Results: First, data was organized in relation to its frequency of the categories of authors' sex, the universities were catalogued as universities 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 according to their ranking, the categories of years of publication, number of authors, designs, type of methodology, and area of publication were obtained. Descriptive frequency statistics were established based on these categories. In the next phase, lexicometric and statistical textual analysis were used to identify research trending topics. Discussion: The main results show that different topics are predominantly framed within the clinical and health psychology line of research, mainly those related to coping styles, psychological stress and wellbeing.

Introducción: La investigación psicológica puede ser desarrollada por investigadores y también por estudiantes de pregrado o posgrado. En un nivel de pregrado, la investigación psicológica es especialmente desafiante debido a la capacidad limitada de los estudiantes para desarrollar problemas de investigación y enfoques metodológicos coherentes y lógicos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las principales tendencias de investigación en las tesis de grado en psicología de las universidades peruanas. Como objetivo específico, se distinguieron las tendencias de diseño de investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática descriptiva y retrospectiva de tesis de investigación en psicología de estudiantes universitarios peruanos, iniciando el proceso de extracción de datos a partir de la base de datos RENATI para una fase inicial de selección. El análisis de datos se realizó en dos fases. Resultados: Primero se organizaron los datos en relación a su frecuencia de las categorías de sexo de los autores, las universidades se catalogaron como universidades 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 según su ranking, las categorías de años de publicación, número de autores Se obtuvieron diseños, tipo de metodología y área de publicación. A partir de estas categorías se establecieron estadísticos descriptivos de frecuencia. En la siguiente fase, se utilizaron análisis textuales lexicométricos y estadísticos para identificar los temas de tendencia de investigación. Discusión: Los principales resultados muestran que diferentes temas se enmarcan predominantemente dentro de la línea de investigación de la psicología clínica y de la salud, principalmente los relacionados con los estilos de afrontamiento, el estrés psicológico y el bienestar.

Cross-cultural invariance of the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Assessment Scorecard to measure the perception of government actions against COVID-19 in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of a general measure of the perception of governmental responses to COVID-|19 (COVID-SCORE-10) in the general population of 13 Latin American countries. METHODS: A total of 5780 individuals from 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling participated. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and the alignment method was used to evaluate invariance. Additionally, a graded response model was used for the assessment of item characteristics. RESULTS: The results indicate that there is approximate measurement invariance of the COVID-SCORE-10 among the participating countries. Furthermore, IRT results suggest that the COVID-SCORE-10 measures with good psychometric ability a broad spectrum of the construct assessed, especially around average levels. Comparison of COVID-SCORE-10 scores indicated that participants from Cuba, Uruguay and El Salvador had the most positive perceptions of government actions to address the pandemic. Thus, the underlying construct of perception of government actions was equivalent in all countries. CONCLUSION: The results show the importance of initially establishing the fundamental measurement properties and MI before inferring the cross-cultural universality of the construct to be measured.

Assessment of Obsessive Thoughts About COVID-19 in 7 Latin American Countries: Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Obsession With COVID-19 Scale.

The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) among seven Latin American countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Although the OCS has been used in several countries and languages, there is a need for approaches that better integrate the cross-cultural equivalence of the scale. A total of 3185 people participated in the study. The results indicated the presence of a unidimensional structure and good reliability indices for the OCS in each country. The alignment method indicated that the OCS is an invariant measure of COVID-19 obsession among the populations of seven Latin American countries. The findings based on IRT analysis indicated that all OCS items had adequate discrimination and difficulty parameters. The findings contribute to the understanding of the internal structure of the scale in different countries at the same time, something that has been pending evaluation.

Reasons for the use of masks in open areas after the Peruvian government announced that it will no longer be mandatory in the context of COVID-19 in 2022

Introduction: In Peru, a high proportion of fully immunized people against COVID-19 has been achieved, which has mitigated the severity of the disease. Thus, under the recommendation of experts, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree 118-2022-PCM, which indicated that the use of masks is optional in open and ventilated enclosed spaces as of October 1, 2022. Objective: The aim of the present study was to find out the reasons why people continued to wear masks even though it was not mandatory in outdoor environments. Methods: A total of 335 people participated, with an average age of 26.11 years (73.1% women). A data collection form was prepared where sociodemographic and health information was requested; in addition, the question "Why do you continue to wear mask despite it being optional in open and closed ventilated spaces?" was included. The data obtained from the last open question of the instrument was analyzed by means of a discursive textual analysis (DTA) and an exploratory analysis through IRAMUTEQ. Results: Results indicate that people continue to wear masks, despite the lifting of the restrictions, to avoid contagion of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. In addition, the prevention of possible infection and transmission of the virus also focused on the family and vulnerable people. Discussion: It is concluded that the practice of wearing masks may be influenced by individual perceptions of risk and interpretations of responsibility and solidarity towards others.

Introducción: En el Perú, se logró una alta proporción de personas completamente inmunizados contra COVID-19 que ha mitigado la severidad de la enfermedad. Es así que, bajo la recomendación de expertos el gobierno peruano emitió el Decreto Supremo 118-2022-PCM, donde se indicó que el uso de la mascarilla es opcional en espacios abiertos y espacios cerrados ventilados a partir del 1 de octubre del 2022. Objetivo: El presente estudio fue conocer las razones por las cuales las personas continuaron usando mascarilla a pesar de que no era obligatorio en ambientes exteriores. Metodología: Participaron un total de 335 personas con un promedio de edad de 26.11 años (73.1% mujeres). Se elaboró una ficha de recolección de datos donde se solicitó información sociodemográfica y de salud; además, se incluyó la pregunta "¿por qué sigue utilizando la mascarilla a pesar de que es opcional en espacios abiertos y cerrados ventilados?" Los datos obtenidos de la última pregunta abierta del instrumento se analizaron mediante un análisis textual discursivo (ATD) y un análisis exploratorio a través de IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que, las personas seguían utilizando mascarillas, a pesar de estar levantadas las restricciones, para evitar contagios de la COVID-19 y de otras enfermedades respiratorias. Además, esta prevención de una posible infección y transmisión del virus es enfocada también a la propia familia y personas vulnerables. Discusión: Se concluye que, la práctica de usar mascarillas puede estar influenciada por las percepciones individuales del riesgo y las interpretaciones de responsabilidad y solidaridad frente a los demás.

Relationship Between Fear of COVID-19, Conspiracy Beliefs About Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19: A Cross-National Indirect Effect Model in 13 Latin American Countries.

The present study explored the predictive capacity of fear of COVID-19 on the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the influence in this relationship of conspiracy beliefs as a possible mediating psychological variable, in 13 Latin American countries. A total of 5779 people recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling participated. To collect information, we used the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Vaccine conspiracy beliefs Scale-COVID-19 and a single item of intention to vaccinate. A full a priori Structural Equation Model was used; whereas, cross-country invariance was performed from increasingly restricted structural models. The results indicated that, fear of COVID-19 positively predicts intention to vaccinate and the presence of conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. The latter negatively predicted intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Besides, conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines had an indirect effect on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the 13 countries assessed. Finally, the cross-national similarities of the mediational model among the 13 participating countries are strongly supported. The study is the first to test a cross-national mediational model across variables in a large number of Latin American countries. However, further studies with other countries in other regions of the world are needed.

Differences in glucose metabolic activity in liver metastasis separates two groups of metastatic uveal melanoma patients with different prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Uveal melanoma metastasizes to the liver. We aimed to explore the metabolic activity of liver metastases (LM) as a biomarker for survival. METHODS: We analyzed newly diagnosed patients with metastatic UM (MUM) with LM detected by liver-directed imaging and had undergone a PET/CT at diagnosis. FINDINGS: 51 patients were identified between 2004 and 2019. Median age was 62 years, 41% male and 22% ECOG ≥1. LDH, ALP, and GGT were elevated in 49%, 37%, and 57% of patients. Median LM SUVmax was 8.5 (3-42.2). Same size lesions presented a wide range of metabolic activity. Median OS was 17.3 m (95% CI:10.6-23.9). Patients with SUVmax ≥8.5 had an OS of 9.4 m (95% CI:6.4-12.3), whereas patients with SUVmax <8.5 had an OS of 38.4 m (95% CI:21.4-55.5; p < 0.0001, HR = 2.9). We observed similar results when studying M1a disease separately. Multivariate analysis showed SUVmax as an independent prognostic factor for the whole population and those with M1a disease. INTERPRETATION: Increased metabolic activity of LM seems to be an independent predictor of survival. MUM is a heterogeneous disease and metabolic activity probably reflects a different intrinsic behavior.

Orthotopic murine xenograft model of uveal melanoma with spontaneous liver metastasis.

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Despite the effective primary treatment, up to 50% of patients with uveal melanoma will develop metastatic lesions mainly in the liver, which are resistant to conventional chemotherapy and lead to patient's death. To date, no orthotopic murine models of uveal melanoma which can develop spontaneous metastasis are available for preclinical studies. Here, we describe a spontaneous metastatic model of uveal melanoma based on the orthotopic injection of human uveal melanoma cells into the suprachoroidal space of immunodeficient NSG mice. All mice injected with bioluminescent OMM2.5 ( n = 23) or MP41 ( n = 19) cells developed a primary tumor. After eye enucleation, additional bioluminescence signals were detected in the lungs and in the liver. At necropsy, histopathological studies confirmed the presence of lung metastases in 100% of the mice. Liver metastases were assessed in 87 and in 100% of the mice that received OMM2.5 or MP41 cells, respectively. All tumors and metastatic lesions expressed melanoma markers and the signaling molecules insulin-like growth factor type I receptor and myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate, commonly activated in uveal melanoma. The novelty of this orthotopic mouse xenograft model is the development of spontaneous metastases in the liver from the primary site, reproducing the organoespecificity of metastasis observed in uveal melanoma patients. The faster growth and the high metastatic incidence may be attributed at least in part, to the severe immunodeficiency of NSG mice. This model may be useful for preclinical testing of targeted therapies with potential uveal melanoma antimetastatic activity and to study the mechanisms involved in liver metastasis.

Role of Procrastination as a Mediator of Self-Efficacy and Emotional State in Academic Situations / Papel da Procrastinação como Mediador da Auto-Eficácia e do Estado Emocional em Situações Acadêmicas / Rol de la Procrastinación como Mediador de la Autoeficacia y el Estado Emocional en Situaciones Académicas

Abstract The need to analyze the relationship between procrastination, self-efficacy and emotional state lies on its impact on productivity, academic performance, and mental health. This research examined the role of academic procrastination as a mediator between self-efficacy and emotional state. A total of 531 university students (59.1% female) participated, with an average age of 21.69 years. The results identified that self-efficacy has a negative influence on procrastination. Likewise, the model was able to corroborate that self-efficacy decreases procrastination and produces a positive affective state. At the same time, a person with high self-efficacy can decrease their negative feelings; however, when procrastinating their negative feelings increase. Furthermore, this model did not vary between gender and academic semester groups, which shows that the results can be interpreted equivalently between these groups.

Resumo A necessidade de analisar a relação entre a procrastinação, a autoeficácia e o estado emocional está no seu impacto sobre a produtividade, o desempenho acadêmico e a saúde mental. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo examinar o papel da procrastinação acadêmica como mediadora entre a autoeficácia e o estado emocional. Participaram 531 estudantes universitários (59,1% do sexo feminino), com idade média de 21,69 anos. Os resultados identificaram que a autoeficácia tem uma influência negativa sobre a procrastinação. Da mesma forma, o modelo foi capaz de corroborar que a autoeficácia diminui o comportamento procrastinador e produz um estado afetivo positivo. Ao mesmo tempo, uma pessoa com alta autoeficácia pode diminuir seu estado emocional negativo, porém, ao procrastinar, seu estado emocional negativo aumenta. Além disso, esse modelo foi invariável entre os grupos de gênero e semestre acadêmico, o que mostra que os resultados podem ser interpretados de forma equivalente entre esses grupos.

Resumen La necesidad de analizar la relación entre procrastinación, autoeficacia y estado emocional radica en su impacto en la productividad, rendimiento académico y salud mental. Esta investigación examinó el rol de la procrastinación académica como elemento mediador entre la autoeficacia y el estado emocional. Participaron 531 estudiantes universitarios (59.1% mujeres), con edad promedio de 21.69 años. En los resultados se identificó que la autoeficacia influye negativamente en la procrastinación. Asimismo, el modelo pudo corroborar que la autoeficacia disminuye la conducta procrastinadora y produce un estado afectivo positivo. Al mismo tiempo, una persona con alta autoeficacia puede disminuir su emocionalidad negativa, no obstante, cuando procrastina su estado emocional negativo incrementa. Además, este modelo fue invariante entre grupos de sexo y semestres académicos, lo que demuestra que se puede interpretar los resultados de forma equivalente entre estos grupos.

Cross-cultural invariance of the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Assessment Scorecard to measure the perception of government actions against COVID-19 in Latin America

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of a general measure of the perception of governmental responses to COVID--19 (COVID-SCORE-10) in the general population of 13 Latin American countries. Methods A total of 5780 individuals from 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling participated. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and the alignment method was used to evaluate invariance. Additionally, a graded response model was used for the assessment of item characteristics. Results The results indicate that there is approximate measurement invariance of the COVID-SCORE-10 among the participating countries. Furthermore, IRT results suggest that the COVID-SCORE-10 measures with good psychometric ability a broad spectrum of the construct assessed, especially around average levels. Comparison of COVID-SCORE-10 scores indicated that participants from Cuba, Uruguay and El Salvador had the most positive perceptions of government actions to address the pandemic. Thus, the underlying construct of perception of government actions was equivalent in all countries. Conclusion The results show the importance of initially establishing the fundamental measurement properties and MI before inferring the cross-cultural universality of the construct to be measured.

Local Resection in Choroidal Melanoma: A Review.

Surgical resection is widely used to treat small tumours located in the iris and the ciliary body, due to the accessibility of these sites. By contrast, surgical removal of choroidal tumours is substantially more challenging, which is why this procedure is performed only at specialised centres. In the present article, we review the literature on surgical resection of choroidal tumours, which can be performed as endoresection (ab interno) or transscleral resection (ab externo). An important aim of this review is to describe and compare the two approaches in terms of visual outcomes, survival rates, and complications. Both approaches are indicated for the removal of large tumours (thickness > 8 mm) with small base diameters. Surgical resection of the tumour allows clinicians to obtain valuable histopathologic and cytogenetic data from the specimen and eliminates the risks associated with radiotherapy. However, both of these surgical approaches are technically challenging procedures involving the risk of severe early and late postoperative complications.

Experiencia inicial de la revascularización coronaria percutánea mediante el acceso transradial en el Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular / Initial experience of percutaneous coronary revascularization through transradial access at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

Introducción: En los últimos años la utilización de la vía radial como forma de acceso para la realización de estudios diagnósticos e intervencionista ha cobrado mayor importancia e interés dentro de los servicios de cardiología intervencionista a nivel mundial. Nuestro país no escapa de este auge por la baja tasa de complicación y la mayor comodidad para el paciente. Objetivo: Caracterizar la intervención coronaria percutánea mediante la vía de acceso radial en pacientes atendidos en el Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Muestra compuesta por 211 pacientes a los que se les realizó intervencionismo coronario percutáneo mediante la vía de acceso radial. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (61,2 por ciento). La edad media fue 60,1 ±9,8 años. El Síndrome Coronario Crónico (76,3 por ciento ) fue el diagnóstico mayoritario, la hipertensión arterial el factor de riesgo más frecuente (73,9 por ciento ) y entre los antecedentes personales la cardiopatía isquémica (30,3 por ciento ). El intervencionismo de forma electiva se realizó en el 76,3 de los casos, utilizando la vía radial derecha en el 88,2 por ciento . Se demostró enfermedad de 2 y 3 vasos en el 45,1 por ciento de los pacientes. El proceder fue exitoso en el 96,7 por ciento de los pacientes. Las variables que demostraron relación estadísticamente significativa con el fracaso fueron: fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo < 40 por ciento (p<0.0001), filtrado glomerular ≤ 60 ml/min (p=0.002), antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica (p= 0.016) y presencia de enfermedad coronaria de 3 vasos (p= 0.019). Conclusiones: La intervención coronaria percutánea mediante el acceso radial en el ICCCV es segura y eficaz, con una tasa de éxito elevada y escasas complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: In recent years the use of the radial approach as a form of access for diagnostic and interventional studies has become increasingly important and of interest in interventional cardiology services worldwide. Our country has not escaped this boom due to the low complication rate and greater patient comfort. Objective: To characterise percutaneous coronary intervention using the radial access route in patients attended at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 211 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention via the radial access route. Results: Male sex predominated (61.2 percent). Mean age was 60.1 ±9.8 years. Chronic coronary syndrome (76.3 percent) was the most common diagnosis, hypertension the most frequent risk factor (73.9) percent and ischaemic heart disease (30.3 percent ). Elective intervention was performed in 76.3 percent of cases, using the right radial approach in 88.2 percent . Two- and three-vessel disease was demonstrated in 45.1 percent of patients. The procedure was successful in 96.7 percent of patients. Variables demonstrating statistically significant relationship with failure were: left ventricular ejection fraction < 40 percent (p(0.0001), glomerular filtration rate ≤ 60 ml/min (p=0.002), history of ischaemic heart disease (p= 0.016) and presence of 3-vessel coronary artery disease (p= 0.019). Conclusions: Percutaneous coronary intervention via radial access in ICCCV is safe and effective, with a high success rate and few complications(AU)

Topical NSAIDs, intravitreal dexamethasone and peribulbar triamcinolone for pseudophakic macular edema.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (intravitreal dexamethasone and peribulbar triamcinolone) in treating pseudophakic macular edema (PME). METHODS: Retrospective study of 33 eyes. Variables included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR scale) and central retinal thickness (CRT) and central choroidal thickness (CCT) assessed with swept-source OCT. All patients were initially prescribed topical NSAIDs and reevaluated after 2 months. If improvement in BCVA or CRT was noted, topical NSAIDs were continued until resolution. If no improvement was observed at 2 months or subsequent visits, intravitreal dexamethasone implant was performed. Patients who refused intravitreal treatment were offered peribulbar triamcinolone. RESULTS: After treatment with topical NSAIDs for a median of 2 months, BCVA increased significantly from 0.5 to 0.3 while CRT decreased significantly from 435 to 316 µm. PME resolved in 19 of the 33 eyes (57.6%). Of the 14 recalcitrant cases, 13 were treated with corticosteroids. Of these 13 cases, 9 (69.2%) resolved. BCVA increased non-significantly from 0.7 to 0.4. CRT and CCT decreased significantly from 492 to 317 µm and from 204 to 182 µm respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall success rate of the treatment algorithm was greater than 80%, a remarkable finding considering that no randomized study has yet been conducted to determine the optimal therapeutic protocol for PME. This is the first study to evaluate choroidal thickness in PME using SS-OCT, which could play a key role in its pathophysiology and provide useful information to improve the management of PME.