Cutaneous metastases of lung cancer.

It is uncommon for a cancer to be diagnosed because of skin metastases. Cutaneous metastases as initial manifestation of internal neoplasias, represent only 0.8% of total cases and implies, in general, a very advanced grade of the disease and short survival. When skin metastases of an unknown primary site appear, lung cancer is the first option to be discarded in case of men, and breast cancer in case of women. Lung cancer spreads to the skin in 2.8-8.7% of the cases, in advanced phases of the disease, although just in 7-23.8% of the cases, cutaneous metastases appear as first manifestation of the primary tumor. Sometimes, a complete examination to discover the tumor reveals no metastases elsewhere.

[Role of metalloproteases of extracellular matrix in the premature rupture of fetal membranes: a novel physiopathogenic model]. / Participación de las metaloproteasas de matriz extracelular en la ruptura prematura de membranas fetales: un modelo fisiopatogénico novedoso.

Experimental proofs are presented, that involve the participation of the metalloproteinases family, of extracellular matrix in the genesis of premature rupture of membranes. The expression of this group of enzymes, which presents in normal conditions of labor appears in the RPM without relation with gestational age. This phenomenon is not presented as an isolated example of participation of metalloproteinases in events related to labor and delivery, as is very well known its participation in maturation of uterine cervix preceding product expulsion, and that consists in similar mechanisms to the ones now chosen for the maturation of fetal membranes. The working hypothesis in pathologic conditions, implies, then, the activation of a normal system in an inadequate moment that results in premature rupture of membranes.

[Glucose determination as prognosis index of intra-amniotic infection]. / Determinación de glucosa como indice pronóstico de infección intraamniótica.

Intraamniotic infection is a frequent problem in Obstetrics, and is related with an important maternal and fetal impact, being important pre-term delivery and premature rupture of membranes. The "golden" test for this entity is bacteriological culture. Its use is limited in function of time (more than two days) and disponibility. The rapid diagnosis of infection in vital to start antimicrobial management and evaluation of uterine evacuation. Low concentrations of glucose (G) have been used as prognostic of infection in different biological compartments. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of G as prognostic index of intraamniotic infection (PIIAI) as compared with Gram tincture (GT) and bacteriological culture. Sixty four patients were included. Group I (n = 33) with infection, and group II (n = 31) without infection. Average of G for group I was 19.96 +/- 07.61 ES and 114.46 +/- 20.09 ES for the group II, with p less than 0.001. The sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (+PV) and negative (-PV) for a concentration of G in amniotic fluid less than 15 mg/dl was 72, 77, 77 and 72% respectively. The S, Sp +PV and -PV for G minor than 10 mg/dl was 69, 87, 85 and 73%. Gram tinction had a S, Sp +PV and -PV of 57, 83, 79, 65%. If both determinations are put together (G and GT), one sees and S of 88%, Sp 77% +PV 80% and -PV 85%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)