[Strategic plan for reduction of hospital stay in renal transplantation]. / Plan estratégico para la reducción de la estancia hospitalaria en trasplante renal.

Since January 2015 we have carried out a multiple-intervention strategic plan to reduce hospital stay in renal transplant recipients. The main objective of this study is to compare results of renal transplantation before and after putting into effect this plan in terms of graft and patient survival, readmissions and incidence of acute rejection during the first year post transplantation. In this retrospective analysis we included all patients 18 years of age or older who were transplanted at our institution. The strategic plan resulted in a significant reduction of hospital stay of renal recipients from 13.5 days in the pre-plan group (n=97) to 4.6 days in the post-plan group (n=62; p≤0.0001). The incidence of acute rejection during the first year was similar (pre-plan group=14.4% vs. post-plan group=16% [p=0.77]) as it was graft survival (88% vs. 90% [p=0.71]) and patient survival (95% vs. 98% [p=0.37]), respectively. The multiple-intervention strategic plan has significantly reduced the hospital stay of patients after renal transplantation without affecting graft or patient survival, which are comparable to those internationally published, and without jeopardizing patient's safety.

Prevalencia de prescripción potencialmente inapropiada de medicamentos en adultos mayores / Prevalence of potentially inappropriate drug prescription in the elderly

Introducción. Una de las causas prevenibles de los eventos adversos a medicamentos (EAM) en los adultos mayores lo constituye la prescripción inapropiada (PIM), es decir, aquella prescripción donde los riesgos superan los beneficios clínicos. Existen varios instrumentos para medir este problema, los más utilizados son: a) los criterios de Beers; b) los Screening Tool to Older People Potentially inapproriate Prescriptions (STOPP); c) los Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Appropriate treatments (START); y d) el Medication Appropriateness Index(MAI). Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de potenciales PIM en una población de adultos mayores en 3 ámbitos clínicos de un hospital universitario. Material y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal de 300 casos de una muestra aleatoria de los ámbitos: hospitalización (100), ambulatorio (100) y urgencias (100). Todos pacientes de 65 años o más que fueron atendidos en un hospital universitario. Resultados. Se analizaron 1.355 prescripciones de fármacos, encontrándose en pacientes ingresados una PIM de 57,7%; 55%, 26% y 80% según Beers, STOPPP, START y MAI respectivamente. En ambulatorio: 36%, 36,5%, 5% y 32%, mientras que en emergencias 35%, 35%, 6% y 52% con las mismas herramientas; se halló asociación significativa de PIM con polifarmacia con los 3 criterios de PIM. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos son comparables a la literatura mundial (26-80% vs. 11-73,1%), los criterios STOPP-START usados de modo integrado serían mejores estimando el problema de PIM (AU)

Introduction. One of the causes of preventable adverse drug events (ADES) in older patients constitutes inappropriate prescription of drugs (PIM). The PIM is where risks exceed the clinical benefit. Several instruments can be use to measure this problem, the most used are: a) Beers criteria; b) Screening tool to Older People Potentially inappropriate Prescription (STOPP); c) Screening tool to Alert Doctors to Right Appropriate indicated Treatments (START); d) The Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI). This study aims to assess the prevalence of PIM, in a population of older adults in three clinical scopes of university hospital. Material and methods. cross sectional study of 300 cases from a random sample of fields: hospitalization (n=100), ambulatory (n=100) and emergency (n=100), all patients over 65 years old or more who where treated at our hospital. Results. 1355 prescription drugs were analized, finding patients hospitalized (PIM) of 57.7%, 55%, 26%, and 80% according to Beers, in ambulatory 36%, 36.5%, 5% and 52% with the same tools and in emergency 35%, 35%, 6% y 52% with the same tools. Was found significant association the PIM with polipharmacy with Beers, STOPP and MAI. Conclusions. results can be compare to world literature (26-80% vs 11-73.1%). The STOPP-START used in an integrated manner would be best estimating the problem of PIM (AU)

[Prevalence of potentially inappropriate drug prescription in the elderly]. / Prevalencia de prescripción potencialmente inapropiada de medicamentos en adultos mayores.

INTRODUCTION: One of the causes of preventable adverse drug events (ADES) in older patients constitutes inappropriate prescription of drugs (PIM). The PIM is where risks exceed the clinical benefit. Several instruments can be use to measure this problem, the most used are: a) Beers criteria; b) Screening tool to Older People Potentially inappropriate Prescription (STOPP); c) Screening tool to Alert Doctors to Right Appropriate indicated Treatments (START); d) The Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI). This study aims to assess the prevalence of PIM, in a population of older adults in three clinical scopes of university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cross sectional study of 300 cases from a random sample of fields: hospitalization (n=100), ambulatory (n=100) and emergency (n=100), all patients over 65 years old or more who where treated at our hospital. RESULTS: 1355 prescription drugs were analized, finding patients hospitalized (PIM) of 57.7%, 55%, 26%, and 80% according to Beers, in ambulatory 36%, 36.5%, 5% and 52% with the same tools and in emergency 35%, 35%, 6% y 52% with the same tools. Was found significant association the PIM with polipharmacy with Beers, STOPP and MAI. CONCLUSIONS: results can be compare to world literature (26-80% vs 11-73.1%). The STOPP-START used in an integrated manner would be best estimating the problem of PIM.

[Letting go in order to move on--clinical report: therapeutic climbing in psychosomatic rehabilitation]. / Loslassen, um weiter zu kommen--Praxisbericht: Therapeutisches Klettern in der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation.

This descriptive clinical report presents therapeutic climbing as a supplementary method within movement therapy, which builds on an integrative clinical concept as part of psychosomatic rehabilitation. Areas of application of therapeutic climbing are outlined along with its varying goals and aims based on the emphasis on body and mind. These are combined with an explanation of psychosomatic movement therapy and its work at the level of experiencing. Information on clinical experience is supported by examples from patient observation. As the examples demonstrate, through therapeutic climbing in movement therapy the patients are brought into contact with their unconscious behaviour and relationship patterns and with the manner in which they deal with situations and people. In addition to the correlates of perception of emotion and body sensation, further topics and transfers come into the frame. Positive experiences are contrasted with automatic negative cognitive processes as the result of learning and socialisation. In this context it is important to emphasise the special therapeutic relationship formation during therapeutic climbing, which provides the patient with the chance of a positive relationship experience.

[Cranial imaging and serology tests are not helpful in tonic pupil. A retrospective study]. / Kranielle Bildgebung und Serologie bei Pupillotonie nicht hilfreich. Eine retrospektive Studie.

BACKGROUND: Tonic pupil (TP) is a common disorder of parasympathetic innervation. In contrast to textbook recommendations, cranial imaging is still being performed in most of the patients with TP. The intention of the present study is to show that cranial imaging is of no benefit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 33 patients with TP were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had undergone a complete ophthalmological, orthoptic, and neurological investigation. Cranial imaging was performed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Serology tests were carried out in some of the patients. RESULTS: Diagnostic imaging provided no additional data revealing the underlying cause of TP. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial imaging in isolated tonic pupil is not helpful. Because of therapeutic implications, diagnostic evaluation can be recommended only in patients older than 50 years to exclude giant cell arteritis and syphilis.

[LASIK with a superior hinge and scanning spot excimer laser ablation for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Results of a prospective study on 100 eyes with a 1-year follow-up]. / LASIK mit superiorem Hinge und Scanning-Spot-Excimerlaserablation zur Korrektur von Myopie und myopem Astigmatismus. Einjahresergebnisse einer prospektiven klinischen Studie an 100 Augen.

PURPOSE: Recently laser-in-situ-keratomileusis (LASIK) has been increasingly used to correct refractive errors. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, predictability, stability and complications using the scanning spot excimer LASIK technology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The results of 100 consecutive LASIK operations carried out between 2/1998 and 2/1999 on 60 patients (mean age 37 years, range 20-55 years) have been evaluated. The Hansatome microkeratome with a superior hinge (flap diameter: 9.5 mm) and a scanning spot excimer laser (Technolas C-Lasik 217) were used in all cases. The mean spherical equivalent of the subjective manifest refraction was -6.96 +/- 2.87 diopters (D), the mean sphere was -6.47 +/- 2.71 D and the mean astigmatism was -0.98 +/- 0.94 D. In 6% of the eyes preoperative visual acuity was not better than 20/40. Examinations were performed preoperatively, after 1 and 7 days, after 1,4 and 12 months. Safety, efficacy, predictability, stability and complications were calculated using the datagraph software (version 1.11). RESULTS: All 100 eyes were examined after 1 day and 1 week, 96 after 1 month, 95 after 4 months and 92 after 1 year. Following 1 year none of the eyes lost 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity, 99% were within +/- 1 line and 1% gained 2 lines (safety index 1.03). In 92% of all eyes an uncorrected visual acuity of > or = 0.5 was reached, in 77% > or = 0.8 and in 51% > or = 1.0 (efficacy index 0.89). For 60 eyes (65.21%) a refractive correction of +/- 0.5 D was necessary, for 82 eyes (89.13%) +/- 1.0 D and for 91 eyes (98.91%) +/- 2.0 D. The mean spherical equivalent after 1 year was -0.15 +/- 1.31 D. Between 1 and 12 months a mean regression of -0.14 D occurred. On the request of the patients, 5 eyes were retreated during the study period for under- or over-correction. Complications due to the microkeratome did not occur. Corneal infections were not observed, a diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) was seen in 12 cases, but all cases healed with no loss of visual acuity. In 7 eyes a slight decentration of the ablation was observed using corneal topography, which in one case caused an increase in glare sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK with superior hinge and scanning spot excimer photoablation is suitable for the correction of myopia (up to a maximum of -12 D) and for myopic astigmatism (up to a maximum of -5 D). The refractive results showed a high stability during the 12-month study period but there is still room for improvement of the predictability.

[Scheimpflug photographic imaging following implantation of anterior and posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses: preliminary results]. / Scheimpflug-fotografische Untersuchungen nach Implantation phaker Vorder- und Hinterkammer-Intraokularlinsen: Erste Erfahrungen.

BACKGROUND: For the correction of refractive errors lenticular procedures are increasingly used in addition to corneal refractive surgery. One of those techniques is the implantation of intraocular lenses into phakic eyes (pIOL). Due to the close neighborhood of the implant to delicate intraocular structures, exact positioning and high postoperative stability are required. Scheimpflug photography has been shown to be a suitable instrument for the biometry of the anterior eye segment and the examination of IOL position. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four anterior chamber phakic IOLs (pIOLs) (Bausch & Lomb NuVita) and 7 posterior chamber pIOLs (Staar ICL) were examined 1 week, 1 month and 3-6 months following implantation. At each examination 1 Scheimpflug slit image and 1 infrared retroillumination image were taken using the anterior eye segment analysis system EAS-1000 (Nidek Co., Gamagori, Japan). Evaluation of the images was performed with a personal computer and the software provided by the manufacturer. The distance of the pIOL to cornea and human lens was calculated and incidence and amount of pIOL rotation around the optical axis and potential crystalline lens opacification were assessed. RESULTS: The distance between the anterior chamber pIOL and the cornea 1 week after implantation was 1.61 +/- 0.10 mm. The distances between the myopic posterior chamber pIOL and the human lens were 0.34 +/- 0.11 mm and between the hyperopic posterior chamber pIOL and the human lens 0.26 and 0.29 mm, respectively. The values were constant over a period of 3-6 months. The pIOL showed no movement or change of position around the optical axis. There was no detectable cataract formation in the human lens. CONCLUSIONS: All implanted phakic anterior and posterior chamber IOLs showed a stable position in the eye within the observation period. Scheimpflug photography is proved to be a useful technique for the postoperative evaluation of the positioning of phakic IOLs.

[Photorefractive/photo-astigmatic refractive keratectomy in low myopia and myopic astigmatism. Broad beam versus scanning spot laser technology]. / Photorefraktive/photoastigmatisch-refraktive Keratektomie bei niedriger Myopie und myopem Astigmatismus. Broad-beam versus Scanning-spot-Lasertechnologie.

PURPOSE: The results of photorefractive/photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PRK/PARK) were compared between two patient groups treated consecutively with either broad-beam or scanning-spot technology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PRK/PARK was performed with a broad-beam excimer laser VISX 20/20 in 46 eyes and with the scanning-spot laser system Keracor 217 in 49 eyes. Preoperative spherical equivalent (subjective manifest refraction) was < or =-6.0 diopter in both groups. Safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and complications were investigated after 1,4 and 12, months postoperatively. RESULTS: In the broad-beam laser group no eye lost two or more lines of best-corrected visual acuity;in the scanning-spot laser group one eye lost two lines 12 months postoperatively. Efficacy, predictability, and stability were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both the broad-beam and the scanning-spot laser provided good results after PRK/PARK for low myopia and myopic astigmatism. This study found no fundamental differences between the two laser systems.

[Irradiation of cornea with ultraviolet light and riboflavin administration as a new treatment for erosive corneal processes, preliminary results in four patients]. / Bestrahlung der Hornhaut mit UV-Licht und Riboflavingabe als neuer Behandlungsversuch bei einschmelzenden Hornhautprozessen, erste Ergebnisse bei vier Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Corneal melting is a serious condition and in many cases maybe managed only by surgery. UV-radiation with Riboflavin is a new method that may stop the melting process of the cornea. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Four patients suffering from melting ulcera of the cornea of various origin underwent a single UV-radiation. Two ultraviolet diodes were used emitting light with an wavelength of 370 nm with an energy of 2.5 mW/cm2. The radiation time was 30 minutes. Before he radiation was performed 2-3 drops of 0.11% Riboflavinsolution were applied to the cornea. The treatment area was 6-7 mm in diameter. RESULTS: After the treatment in three of the four patients the melting process of the cornea stopped. At least temporarily, a surgical procedure could be delayed. CONCLUSION: Because of the absence of any side-effects in serious cases the method is recommended prior to surgery.

Scotopic measurement of normal pupils: Colvard versus Video Vision Analyzer infrared pupillometer.

PURPOSE: To prospectively measure the scotopic pupil diameter in a normal population and to compare 2 infrared pupillometers for these measurements. SETTING: Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Department of Ophthalmology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. METHODS: The Colvard infrared pupillometer was compared to the Video Vision Analyzer (VIVA) infrared pupillometer under scotopic light conditions in 33 participants (aged 19 to 55 years). Reliability was assessed by 2 independent examiners (E1, E2). Statistical analysis was performed using a comparison method by Bland and Altman. RESULTS: Mean pupil diameter was 6.16 mm +/- 1.20 (SD) (range 3.20 to 9.00 mm) with all measurements taken under scotopic illumination. The mean scotopic pupil diameter was 6.08 +/- 1.16 mm (range 3.2 to 8.4 mm) with the Colvard pupillometer and 6.24 +/- 1.28 mm (3.5 to 9.0 mm) with the VIVA pupillometer. The mean differences between the Colvard and VIVA were -0.27 mm (E1) and -0.05 mm (E2). Limits of agreement ranged from 1.4 (Colvard) to 2.4 (VIVA). The coefficients of repeatability ranged from 0.7 (Colvard) to 1.1 (VIVA). CONCLUSIONS: A mean scotopic pupil diameter of 6.15 mm with a maximal pupil size of 9.00 mm can be expected in a normal population; this should be considered in refractive corneal and refractive lens surgery. Measurements with the Colvard pupillometer were more reliable and precise than those with the VIVA pupillometer.

The value of gastric intramucosal pH in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the usefulness of gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) to predict adverse events during the postoperative period after cardiac surgery in pediatric patients. DESIGN: Prospective, observational clinical study. SETTING: Multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit, university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 70 patients who had elective cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass; mean age, 4.0 yrs. INTERVENTIONS: Gastric tonometry. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all cases, the pHi was determined within the first 2 hrs and again within the first 12 hrs of the postoperative period after cardiac surgery. The following adverse events were considered: mortality, multiple organ failure (MOF), and infectious complications. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A, patients having the two pHi measurements < or =7.32 (n = 15); Group B, patients having the two pHi determinations >7.32 (n = 28); and Group C, patients having one pHi determination < or =7.32 and the other >7.32 (n = 27). Of the total sample, 5 (7.1%) patients died; 4 (5.7%) had MOF, and 13 (18.5%) had infectious complications. When the rate of adverse events was analyzed in the three groups, significant differences were found in mortality (p < .035) and MOF (p < .029). This was not the case for infectious complications (p = .071). In Group A, three patients died and three had MOF. The standardized chi-square values were 1.87 and 2.31 respectively, causing the authors to consider that this group accounted for the differences found in the global analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Two pHi determinations < or =7.32, one at admission and one at 12 hrs of the postoperative period after cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass, were associated with a higher rate of mortality and MOF, but not with a higher rate of infectious complications. It is not yet possible to recommend the use of this finding as a treatment objective to guide hemodynamic optimization in this group of patients.

[Photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy for low, moderate, and high astigmatism using a broad beam excimer laser: evaluataion according to new international criteria]. / Photoastigmatische refraktive Keratektomie für gering-, mittel- und hochgradig myope Astigmatismen mit einem Broad Beam Excimer Laser: Auswertung refraktiv-chirurgischer Daten nach internationalen Richtlinien.

BACKGROUND: Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an accepted procedure to correct myopia in Germany. The purpose of this study was to evaluate photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PARK) for myopic astigmatism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PARK using the VISX 20/20 excimer laser was performed in 50 eyes of 36 patients (25 female, 16 male) aged 22 to 68 years (mean 38 +/- 10 years) in the period of 1995 to 1996. Retrospective evaluation was done after dividing the patients into three astigmatic groups between -0.5 diopters (D) and -1.5 D (group I, n = 28), between -1.75 D and -3.0 D (group II, n = 16) und between -3.25 D and -5.5 D (group III, n = 6). The correction of myopic astigmatism was assessed concerning the criteria safety, efficacy, predictability and stability. Mean follow-up was 12 months (8-15 months). RESULTS: Seventy-eight % of all eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of > 0.5. Sixty-eight % of the eyes were within +/- 1.0 D of the desired correction. Loss of 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity occurred in 6 eyes (12.0%). We observed in group I an astigmatic reduction of 36.0%, in group II of 66.5% and in group III of 68.0%. The surgically induced astigmatism was calculated with 1.29 +/- 1.0 D. Mean axis rotation of the refractive cylinder was 22.12 +/- 23.05 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: PARK using the VISX 20/20 excimer laser is an acceptable procedure to correct myopic astigmatism. However, the study revealed that astigmatic reduction with a broad beam laser is not yet perfect in terms of efficacy, predictability and safety.

Methylphenidate dosing: twice daily versus three times daily.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and side effects associated with two methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) dosing patterns. METHODS: Twenty-five boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in a 5-week, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover evaluation of MPH administered twice (b.i.d.) versus thrice (t.i.d.) per day (mean dose = 8.8 +/- 5 mg, .30 +/- .1 mg/kg/dose). Four dosing conditions (placebo, titration [gradual increase to target dose], b.i.d., and t.i.d.) were used. Dependent measures obtained on a weekly basis included: parent and teacher ratings of child behavior, parent-child conflicts, parent report of stimulant side effects, child self-report of mood symptoms, a sleep log, laboratory measures of attention, and actigraphic recording of sleep activity. RESULTS: All dosing conditions resulted in significant effects on ADHD symptoms when compared with baseline. Relative to placebo, t.i.d. dosing was characterized by improvement on the greatest number of behavioral measures, and both b.i.d. and t.i.d. were generally more effective than titration. Direct comparisons of b.i.d. and t.i.d. dosing revealed that t.i.d. was associated with greater improvement on the Conners Parent Rating Scale Impulsivity/Hyperactivity factor, with a similar marginally significant effect for the ADD-H Teacher Rating Scale Hyperactivity factor. The analysis of clinically significant change favored a three-times-a-day dosing schedule over placebo on both parent and teacher ratings of impulsivity/hyperactivity and attention. Compared with placebo, appetite suppression was rated, on average, as more severe in the t.i.d. and titration conditions, but not in the b.i.d. condition. However, the number of subjects who exhibited any or severe appetite suppression did not differ significantly between the b.i.d. and t.i.d. schedules. Although there was no difference in sleep duration for children on b.i.d. and t.i.d. schedules, total sleep time appeared to decrease slightly on t.i.d. relative to placebo according to both parent ratings and actigraphic assessment. There were no significant differences between b.i.d. and t.i.d. on any other side effects or sleep variables. CONCLUSIONS: For many children with ADHD, t.i.d. dosing may be optimal. There are few differences in acute side effects between b.i.d. and t.i.d. MPH dosing. The dosing schedule should be selected according to the severity and time course of ADHD symptoms rather than in anticipation of dosing schedule-related side effects.

Trasplante hepático con donante vivo relacionado. Experiencia clínica con seis casos / Living related donor liver transplantation. Clinical experience with six cases

Se comunica la experiencia de trasplante hepático de donante vivo relacionado y el impacto que ha tenido en el programa pediátrico.En el período comprendido entre enero de 1988 y mayo de 1994, se evaluaron para ser trasplantados 174 pacientes menores de 16 años.Ingresaron en lista 76 (48.6 por ciento) y fueron rechazados 12 (6,8 por ciento).De los pacientes aceptados, 38 (50 por ciento) han sido trasplantados y 31 (40,7 por ciento) fallecieron a la espera de un órgano adecuado.en 35 oportunidades el donante fue cadavérico, en 19 seutilizó órgano completo y en 16 la técnica de reducción hepática. Entre los años 92 y 94, luego de una exhaustiva evaluación de 14 donantes, se realizaron 6 trasplantes con donante vivo. En este período 37 pacientes ingresaron en lista de espera, 18 (43,9 por ciento) fueron trasplantados, 6 de ellos (33 por ciento) con donante vivo.La mortalidad disminuyó al 24 por ciento (9 pacientes) en igual período. La sobrevida actuarial anual del total de la serie es del 89 por ciento y del donante vivo del 100 por ciento, con un 83 por ciento de sobrevida del injerto.Tres pacientes fueron retrasplantados . El trasplante hepático con donante vivo es un procedimiento alternativo, que permite paliar la escasa oferta de donantes y disminuir la mortalidad en los candidatos de bajo peso

Trasplante hepático con donante vivo relacionado. Experiencia clínica con seis casos / Living related donor liver transplantation. Clinical experience with six cases

Se comunica la experiencia de trasplante hepático de donante vivo relacionado y el impacto que ha tenido en el programa pediátrico.En el período comprendido entre enero de 1988 y mayo de 1994, se evaluaron para ser trasplantados 174 pacientes menores de 16 años.Ingresaron en lista 76 (48.6 por ciento) y fueron rechazados 12 (6,8 por ciento).De los pacientes aceptados, 38 (50 por ciento) han sido trasplantados y 31 (40,7 por ciento) fallecieron a la espera de un órgano adecuado.en 35 oportunidades el donante fue cadavérico, en 19 seutilizó órgano completo y en 16 la técnica de reducción hepática. Entre los años 92 y 94, luego de una exhaustiva evaluación de 14 donantes, se realizaron 6 trasplantes con donante vivo. En este período 37 pacientes ingresaron en lista de espera, 18 (43,9 por ciento) fueron trasplantados, 6 de ellos (33 por ciento) con donante vivo.La mortalidad disminuyó al 24 por ciento (9 pacientes) en igual período. La sobrevida actuarial anual del total de la serie es del 89 por ciento y del donante vivo del 100 por ciento, con un 83 por ciento de sobrevida del injerto.Tres pacientes fueron retrasplantados . El trasplante hepático con donante vivo es un procedimiento alternativo, que permite paliar la escasa oferta de donantes y disminuir la mortalidad en los candidatos de bajo peso

Pediatric intensive care in Argentina.

PIP: 8.2% of the gross domestic product is spent annually on health care in Argentina, a country of 32 million people. There is 1 medical doctor of every 147,000 beds in a total 3180 hospitals. The infant mortality rate in Argentina is 24.5/1000 live births which is high compared to developed countries. Perinatal causes and congenital anomalies are the main cause of death after the neonatal period, and accidents, cardiac disease, and respiratory tract infections are the main causes of death among children over age 1 year. Argentina has approximately 35 pediatric intensive care units (ICU), but 154 of 244 beds are within or near the capital. Only 2 hospitals have pediatric intensive care fellowship programs, so full time dedicated staff is rare. 250 registered pediatricians dedicated to intensive care are in the Argentine Pediatric Society and the nurse/bed ratio is 1:2-1:3. Moreover, the country has neither postanesthesia recuperation units, burn units, chronic ventilation units, nor approved home assistance programs, and intermediate care is not clearly standardized. These inadequacies have led to a shortage of beds and the caring for of critically ill children in general pediatric or emergency wards in hospitals which lack adequate equipment; patients are often discharged inappropriately to clear bed space. Even so, prehospital and emergency room care tends to be provided without the necessary coordination with the pediatric ICU, and structural conditions regarding electrical self-sufficiency, air conditioning, and circulation are met in only few units. Despite the existence of these adverse conditions for the care of critically ill children, a pediatric organ transplant program developed since 1987 has demonstrated 70% to 100% survival rates for 16l orthotopic liver and 9 heart transplants, respectively. Alternatives to improving intensive care in Argentina include optimizing the response of emergency and critical care delivery systems, categorizing hospitals and pediatric ICUs with a regional approach, creating intermediate and chronic care units, and investing more in nursing.^ieng