Twelve-Month results from multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing differential target multiplexed spinal cord stimulation and traditional spinal cord stimulation in subjects with chronic intractable back pain and leg pain.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established treatment for chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs; however, low back pain (LBP) is difficult to treat using traditional SCS. Differential Target Multiplexed spinal cord stimulation (DTM SCS) is an advanced approach inspired from animal studies demonstrating improved pain-related behavior and pain-relevant biological processes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of DTM SCS and traditional SCS in treating chronic LBP and leg pain (LP). METHODS: This prospective, postmarket randomized controlled trial compared DTM SCS to traditional SCS in patients with chronic LBP and LP. Primary end point was LBP responder rate (percentage of subjects with ≥ 50% relief) at 3 months. Noninferiority and superiority were assessed. Other outcomes included mean change in back and leg pain, responder rates, disability, global health, satisfaction, and safety profile throughout the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight subjects were randomized across 12 centers (67 DTM SCS and 61 traditional SCS). Of the 94 patients implanted, 46 subjects in each group completed the 3-month assessment. LBP responder rate of 80.1% with DTM SCS was superior to 51.2% with traditional SCS (p = 0.0010). Mean LBP reduction (5.36 cm) with DTM SCS was greater than reduction (3.37 cm) with traditional SCS (p < 0.0001). These results were sustained at 6 months and 12 months. Safety profiles were similar between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Superiority of DTM SCS compared with traditional SCS for chronic LBP was demonstrated. Clinical improvements provided by DTM SCS were sustained over 12 months and are expected to significantly impact the management of chronic LBP.

Migraciones y medio ambiente: el sistema jurídico internacional frente a la figura de refugiado ambiental / Migration and the Environment: The International Legal System Against the Figure of the Environmental Refugee

Resumen El presente artículo de investigación busca realizar un análisis de las respuestas que se han generado (y se pueden generar) desde el sistema jurídico internacional frente a la figura del refugiado ambiental. En este orden de ideas, en el primer acápite se desarrolla y contextualiza la migración ambiental como un fenómeno cada vez más creciente en diferentes regiones del mundo; en segundo lugar, se abordarán las respuestas jurídicas y posibles mecanismos de protección hacia este grupo poblacional y, por último, se describe el papel de algunos bloques regionales frente a esta problemática. Se puede evidenciar que actualmente el sistema jurídico Internacional no cuenta con un instrumento y/o mecanismo que regule y proteja a los migrantes ambientales trasfronterizos o refugiados ambientales, por lo que, hoy, los miles de personas alrededor del mundo que se han visto obligadas a cruzar fronteras por causas asociadas al medio ambiente dependen de la voluntad política de los Estados receptores para que puedan obtener algún tipo de ayuda y/o protección.

Abstract This research article seeks to carry out an analysis of the responses, have been generated (and can be generated) from the international legal system against the figure of the environmental refugee. Along these lines, environmental migration is developed and contextualized in the first step as an increasing phenomenon in different regions of the world. Secondly, the legal responses and possible mechanisms for protection towards this population group will be addressed and, finally, the role of some regional blocs regarding this issue is described. It can be shown that the international legal system does not currently have an instrument and/or mechanism, which regulates and protects cross-border environmental migrants or environmental refugees. Then, today the thousands of people around the world, who have been forced to cross borders for environmental-associated causes, depend on the political will of the host States so that they can get some kind of assistance and/ or protection.

Ipsilateral Intravenous Catheter Placement in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is a continued perception that intravenous line (IV) placement is contraindicated in the arm ipsilateral to prior breast cancer surgery to avoid breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the risk for development of BCRL in ipsilateral arm IV placement compared to contralateral arm IV placement to prior breast cancer surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review, via our Integrated Clinical Systems and Epic Electronic Heath Record of IV placement for anesthesia and surgery in patients with a prior history of breast cancer surgery with or without axillary lymph node dissection. Complication rates were compared for IVs placed in the ipsilateral and contralateral arms. We identified 3724 patients undergoing 7896 IV placements between January 1, 2015, and May 5, 2018, with a prior history of breast cancer surgery via their index anesthesia and surgical procedures. RESULTS: The median time from breast cancer surgery to IV placement was 1.5 years (range, 1 day to 17.8 years). Of 2743 IVs placed in the arm contralateral to prior breast cancer surgery, 2 had a complication, corresponding to an incidence of 7.3 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-26.3 per 10,000). Of 5153 IVs placed in the arm ipsilateral to prior breast cancer surgery, 2 IVs had a complication, for an incidence of 3.9 per 10,000 (95% CI, 0.5-14.0 per 10,000). The frequency of complications was not found to differ significantly between the groups (P = .91), and the 95% CI for the risk difference (ipsilateral minus contralateral) was -23 to +8 complications per 10,000. The complication rate is similar when only the first IV placed following breast cancer surgery is considered (overall 5.4 per 10,000 [95% CI, 0.7-19.4] per 10,000; contralateral 7.0 [95% CI, 0.2-39.0] per 10,000, ipsilateral 4.4 [95% CI, 0.1-24.2] per 10,000; P = 1.00; 95% CI for risk difference [ipsilateral minus contralateral], -41 to +22 per 10,000). CONCLUSIONS: We found very few complications in patients who had an IV placed for surgery following a previous breast cancer surgery and no complications in those patients with IV placement ipsilateral with axillary node dissection. Avoidance of IV placement in the arm ipsilateral to breast cancer surgery is not necessary.

Miocarditis por gram negativos / Gram-Negative Myocarditis

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y microbiológicas de los pacientes que cursan con miocarditis por Enterobacterias. Métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, en la que se incluyeron Pubmed, Ovid, Scopus, SciELO y LILACS sin exclusión por tipo de idioma. La población objetivo de estudio fueron los pacientes con diagnóstico de infección bacteriana por bacilo gram negativo mediante cultivo, técnicas moleculares o histopatología, y quienes presentaban biopsia de miocardio o, en su defecto, resonancia magnética cardiaca con hallazgos sugestivos de miocarditis. Resultados: se encontraron 742 artículos, de los cuales se incluyeron 24; en estos se reportaron 27 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 31 años. El 81% de los pacientes eran de sexo masculino. El síntoma principal fue diarrea (80%), seguido de fiebre (53%) y dolor torácico (38%). El 37% de los pacientes fallecieron. El hallazgo más común en el electrocardiograma fue la elevación del segmento ST (36,7%). En quienes se realizó ecocardiograma se encontraron anormalidades en 50% de los casos, siendo más frecuente la disminución en la fracción de eyección. El microorganismo más común fue el Campylobacter jejuni, seguido por Salmonela sp. Conclusiones: la miocarditis causada por enterobacterias es más frecuente en pacientes adultos jóvenes de sexo masculino. Los síntomas gastrointestinales suelen estar presentes al momento de la presentación clínica. El diagnóstico requiere de alta sospecha clínica teniendo en cuenta que las anormalidades eléctricas y en ecocardiograma no se encuentran en todos los pacientes.

Abstract Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of patients with myocarditis due to Enterobacteria. Methods: A systematic review was carried out on the literature, which included Pubmed, Ovid, Scopus, SciELO, and LILACS, with no exclusions due to language. The target population of the study were patients with a diagnosis of bacterial infection due to gram negative bacillus by means of a culture, or using molecular or histopathology technique. They also had to have had a myocardial biopsy or, if not, a cardiac magnetic resonance scan with findings suggestive of myocarditis. Results: Out of a total of 742 articles found, 24 of these, in which 27 patients were described, were included. The mean age was 31 years, and 81% were male. The main symptom was diarrhoea (80%), followed by fever (53%), and chest pain (38%). More than one-third (37%) of the patients died. The most common finding on the electrocardiogram (ECG) was elevation of the ST segment (36.7%). Abnormalities were found in 50% of the cases, on whom a cardiac ultrasound was performed, with a decrease in the ejection fraction being the most common. The most common microorganism was Campylobacter jejuni, followed by Salmonella spp. Conclusions: Myocarditis caused by enterobacteria is most common in young male patients. The gastrointestinal symptoms are usually present from the clinical onset. The diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion, taking into account that the abnormalities in the ECG and cardiac ultrasound are not found in all patients.

Intravenous Versus Oral Acetaminophen in Outpatient Cystoscopy Procedures: Retrospective Comparison of Postoperative Opioid Requirements and Analgesia Scores.

PURPOSE: To assess if the choice of acetaminophen formulation (intravenous vs oral) when administered preoperatively for ambulatory cystoscopy procedures is associated with differences in anesthetic outcomes. METHODS: Medical records of adult patients undergoing ambulatory cystoscopy procedures at an outpatient procedural center from July 1, 2014, through November 30, 2017, were abstracted. The association between anesthetic outcomes (severe pain, rescue opioids, postoperative nausea, and vomiting) and acetaminophen formulation was assessed. Propensity-adjusted analyses were performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting to account for potential confounders. RESULTS: During the study time frame, there were 611 intravenous and 2955 oral acetaminophen administrations for cystoscopy procedures. Postoperative bladder spasms were a major contributor to severe pain and complicated 1036 cases, with similar rates between intravenous (N = 183, 29.9%) and oral (N = 853, 28.9%) formulations, P = .625. After adjusting for bladder spasms, intravenous acetaminophen was associated with longer anesthesia recovery (estimate 5.2 [95% CI 0.5-9.9] minutes, P = .030), use of rescue opioids (odds ratio 1.33 [1.07-1.66], P = .012), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (1.40 [1.02-1.93], P = .037), but not severe pain (1.07 [0.81-1.40], P = .640). CONCLUSION: Preoperative intravenous acetaminophen compared to oral acetaminophen for ambulatory cystoscopy procedures was not associated with better anesthetic outcomes. Bladder spasms were a major contributor to postoperative pain.

Diagnóstico microbiológico de artritis séptica en niños usando botellas de hemocultivos como un método alternativo / Microbiological diagnosis of septic arthritis in children using blood culture bottles as an alternative method

Introducción: La artritis séptica (AS) se define como la infección del espacio articular que afecta cualquier articulación, es más frecuente en niños menores de 5 años y su principal causa es la diseminación hematógena. El diagnóstico etiológico es difícil en niños, logrando aislamiento en menos de la mitad de los casos. Se evaluó el rendimiento diagnóstico de la botella de hemocultivo (BHC) como medio alternativo para la siembra del líquido sinovial comparado con los medios convencionales (MC). Metodología: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado en centro de tercer nivel de 2011-2016, niños de 0 a 12 años con diagnóstico clínico de artritis séptica y disponibilidad de las dos muestras tomadas en cirugía. Resultados: Ingresaron 60 pacientes, masculinos 56%, mediana de edad 48 meses y tiempo de síntomas 58 horas (48-192); 33,3% con antecedente de trauma; 30% recibieron antibióticos previos. Articulaciones afectadas: cadera 44%, rodilla 28% y tobillo 18%. En 39 pacientes (65%) se tomaron hemocultivos; de estos 19 (49%) fueron positivos, todos para S. aureus. Se obtuvo confirmación en líquido sinovial por cualquier método en 27 pacientes (45%), positivos en ambos 21,6%, en MC 13,3% y en BHC 10%, los microorganismos más frecuentes SAMS 21,6%, SAMR 8,3%, S. pyogenes 3,3%, SEMR 3,3%, S. pneumoniae 1,6%, N. meningitidis 1,6%, no se aisló K. kingae. El tratamiento antibiótico más utilizado fueron los betalactamicos, mediana de estancia 18(12-25,5) días, mortalidad del 3,3%. Conclusión: Las BHC son un complemento al medio sólido convencional y aumentaron la confirmación etiológica de artritis séptica del 35% al 45%.

Introduction: Septic arthritis (SA) is defined as the infection of any joint space; it is more common in children under 5 years and its main cause is hematogenous dissemination. The etiological diagnosis is difficult in children, achieving isolation in less than half of the cases. The diagnostic performance of the blood culture bottle (BCB) was evaluated as an alternative medium for seeding synovial fluid compared to conventional media (CM). Methods: A prospective cohort survey was conducted in a third-level center from 2011-2016, in children aged 0 to 12 years with a clinical diagnosis of septic arthritis and availability of the two samples taken in surgery. Results: 60 patients were admitted, being 56% male, with a median age of 48 months and symptom time of 58 hours (48-192); 33.3% had a history of trauma; 30% received previous antibiotics. Affected joints: hip (44%), knee (28%), and ankle (18%). Blood cultures were taken in 39 patients (65%); of these, 19 (49%) were positive, all for S. aureus. Confirmation in synovial fluid was obtained by any method in 27 subjects (45%), positive in both: 21.6%, 13.3% in CM, and 10% in BCB. The most frequent microorganisms were: MSSA (21.6%), MRSA (8.3%), S. pyogenes (3.3%), MRSE (3.3%), S. pneumoniae (1.6%), N. meningitidis (1.6%). K. kingae was not isolated. The most commonly used antibiotic treatment was beta-lactams. The median of stay was 18 days (12-25.5), with a mortality of 3.3%. Conclusion: BCB are a complement to the conventional solid medium and increased the etiological confirmation of septic arthritis from 35 to 45%.

Perfil de resistencia de la Salmonella sp durante un periodo de tres años en un hospital de Colombia / Resistance Profile of Salmonella SP During a Period of Three Years in a Hospital of Colombia / Perfil de resistência de Salmonella SP durante um período de três años em um hospital da Colômbia

Resumen Introducción: en Colombia, del 2000 al 2012, se describió un aumento progresivo en la resistência a betalactámicos y quinolonas en los aislamientos de Salmonella sp. A partir de esta fecha se desconoce la evolución de las tasas de resistencia en el país. El objetivo de este estúdio fue describir el perfil de suscep tibilidad durante el periodo 2014-2017 así como evaluar la asociación entre las características clínicas y sociodemográficas de la población con los patrones de resistencia de Salmonella sp. Materiales y méto dos: estudio de corte transversal del 2014 al 2017, realizado en la Fundación Cardioinfantil en mayores de 18 años, con aislamiento de Salmonella sp en cualquier tipo de muestra biológica. Resultados: se encontraron sesenta casos, ningún aislamiento fue resistente a quinolonas, uno mostró resistencia a ampicilina y uno se caracterizó como ; el 95 % tenia perfil de susceptibilidad usual. No se encontró asociación entre las variables estudiadas y la presencia de resistencia. Conclusión: los resultados pueden reflejar un cambio en el perfil de susceptibilidad de Salmonella sp en Colombia, con una disminución en la resistencia a betalactámicos y quinolonas a partir del 2014. Sin embargo, se requiere una mayor muestra poblacional para corroborar esta hipótesis.

Abstract Objective: In Colombia, from 2000 to 2012, a progressive increase in resistance to beta-lactams and quinolones was described in isolates of Salmonella As of this date, the evolution of resistance rates in the country is unknown. The objective of this study is to describe the susceptibility profile from 2014 to 2017, as well as to evaluate the association between the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the population with the resistance patterns of Salmonella Materials and methods: The study is a cross-sectional study between 2014 and 2017 at the Fundación Cardioinfantil, in patients over 18 years of age with Salmonella in any type of biologic sample. Results: The authors found 60 cases, no isolate was resistant to quinolones. One showed resistant to ampicillin, and añother one was characterized as amp-C; 95% had a usual susceptibility profile. No association was found between the variables studied and the presence of resistance. Conclusion: The results may reflect a change in the susceptibility profile of Salmonella in Colombia, with a decrease in resistance to beta-lactams and quinolones as of 2014; however, a larger population sample is required to corroborate this hypothesis.

Resumo Objetivo: Na Colômbia do ao 2000 ao 2012 se descreveu um aumento progressivo na resistência a beta-lactâmicos e quinolonas nos isolamentos de Salmonella sp. A partir desta data se desconhece a evolução das taxas de resistência no país. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o perfil de susceptibilidade do ao 2014 ao 2017, assim como avaliar a associação entre as características clínicas e sociodemográficas da população com os patrões de resistência Salmonella sp. Materiais e métodos: Estudo de corte transversal do ano 2014 ao ao 2017 realizado na Fundación Cardioinfantil em maiores de 18 ao anos com isolamento de Salmonella sp, em qualquer tipo de amostra biológica. Resultados: se encontraram 60 casos, nenhum isolamento foi resistente a quinolonas, um mostrou resistência a ampicilina e um se caracterizou como AMP-C, o 95 % tinha perfil de susceptibilidade usual. Não se encontrou associação entre as variáveis estudadas e a presença de resistência. Conclusão: Os resultados podem refletir uma mudança no perfil de susceptibilidade de Salmonella sp. Na Colômbia, com uma diminuição na resistência a beta-lactâmicos e quinolonas a partir do año 2014, no entanto se requere uma maior amostra populacional para corroborar esta hipótese.

A Patient With Human Herpesvirus 8-Positive Multicentric Castleman's Disease Who Met Criteria for TAFRO Syndrome: Controversy in Practice?

Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a known entity with characteristics of lymphoproliferative syndrome, characterized by cytokine activation. Its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is frequently described, as well as its positivity for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). However, some negative patients for the latter (called idiopathic MCD), may have an aggressive spectrum of the disease (characterized by the presence of cytopenia, renal failure, anasarca and organomegaly), known as TAFRO syndrome (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, myelofibrosis, renal dysfunction, and organomegaly). We present the case of a young patient recently diagnosed with HIV infection, in whom MCD was found, and with an aggressive course despite treatment, who met criteria for TAFRO syndrome despite HHV-8 positivity.

Adipsic diabetes insipidus secondary to craniopharyngioma resection.

Adipsic diabetes insipidus is an infrequent disease which may be associated with craniopharyngioma. It may be secondary to the tumour's extension, as well as to resection of the mass. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman with a history of delayed puberty and hypothyroidism, but no prior study reports. She consulted due to a headache with warning signs associated with altered visual acuity. Brain MRI was performed which showed signs of a non-adenomatous lesion with suprasellar and hypothalamic extension. Following transcranial surgery, she developed diabetes insipidus criteria, with absence of thirst documented during the hospitalisation. The histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. The patient was treated with desmopressin and received recommendations regarding rehydration according to the quantification of losses, with electrolyte stabilisation.

Serotonergic medications, herbal supplements, and perioperative serotonin syndrome.

PURPOSE: Perioperative use of serotonergic agents increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. We describe the occurrence of serotonin syndrome after fentanyl use in two patients taking multiple serotonergic agents. CLINICAL FEATURES: Two patients who had been taking multiple serotonergic medications or herbal supplements (one patient taking fluoxetine, turmeric supplement, and acyclovir; the other taking fluoxetine and trazodone) developed serotonin syndrome perioperatively when undergoing outpatient procedures. Both experienced acute loss of consciousness and generalized myoclonus after receiving fentanyl. In one patient, the serotonin syndrome promptly resolved after naloxone administration. In the other patient, the onset of serotonin syndrome was delayed and manifested after discharge, most likely attributed to the intraoperative use of midazolam for sedation. CONCLUSION: Even small doses of fentanyl administered to patients taking multiple serotonergic medications and herbal supplements may trigger serotonin syndrome. Prompt reversal of serotonin toxicity in one patient by naloxone illustrates the likely opioid-mediated pathogenesis of serotonin syndrome in this case. It also highlights that taking serotonergic agents concomitantly can produce the compounding effect that causes serotonin syndrome. The delayed presentation of serotonin syndrome in the patient who received a large dose of midazolam suggests that outpatients taking multiple serotonergic drugs who receive benzodiazepines may require longer postprocedural monitoring.

Perioperative Management of Pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce and store catecholamines. Without adequate preparation, the release of excessive amounts of catecholamines, especially during anesthetic induction or during surgical removal, can produce life-threatening cardiovascular complications. This review focuses on the perioperative management of pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas, initially summarizing the clinical aspects of the disease and then highlighting the current evidence available for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management.