Concurrent progestogen and cerclage to reduce preterm birth: a multicenter international retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Both progestogens and cerclage are individually effective in preterm birth prevention in high risk pregnancies. However, national and international guidelines cite a lack of data available to comment on the potential benefit of concurrent progestogen therapy after cerclage has been placed. Studies to date have been small with mixed results regarding benefit of concurrent progestogen with cerclage leaving uncertainty regarding best clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether cerclage with progestogen therapy was superior to cerclage alone in the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancies. METHODS: This is an international retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies, without major anomaly or aneuploidy, and with cerclage placed at 10 different institutions in the United States and Colombia from June 2016 to June 2020. Exclusion criteria were lack of documentation regarding whether progestogen was prescribed, unavailable delivery outcome, and pregnancy termination (spontaneous or induced) before 16 weeks' gestation. The exposure of interest was progestogen use with cerclage placement, which included those who continued to use progestogen or who started progestogen after cerclage. The comparison group consisted of those without progestogen use after cerclage placement, which included those who had no progestogen use during the entire pregnancy or who initiated progestogen and then stopped it after cerclage placement. Progestogen type, cerclage indication, maternal baseline characteristics, and maternal/neonatal outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks. The secondary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth at <34 weeks, gestational age at delivery, and a composite neonatal outcome including ≥1 of the following: perinatal mortality, confirmed sepsis, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There were planned subgroup analyses by cerclage indication, progestogen type (vaginal progesterone vs 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate), preterm birth history, and site. Continuous variables were compared in adjusted analyses with analysis of covariance, and categorical variables were compared with multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders with adjusted odds ratio. A Cox regression survival curve was generated to compare latency to spontaneous delivery, censored after 37 weeks. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 699 singletons met the inclusion criteria: 561 in the progestogen with cerclage group and 138 with cerclage alone. Baseline characteristics were similar, except the higher likelihood of previous spontaneous preterm birth in the progestogen group (61% vs 41%; P<.001). Within the progestogen group, 52% were on 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate weekly, 44% on vaginal progesterone daily, and 3% on oral progesterone daily. Progestogen with cerclage was associated with a significantly lower frequency of spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks (31% vs 39%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [0.39-0.89]; P=.01) and <34 weeks (19% vs 27%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [0.35-0.87]; P=.01), increased latency to spontaneous delivery (hazard ratio for spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks, 0.66 [0.49-0.90]; P=.009), and lower frequency of perinatal death (7% vs 16%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.37 [0.20-0.67]; P=.001). In planned subgroup analyses, association with reduced odds of preterm birth <37 weeks persisted in those on vaginal progesterone, those without a previous preterm birth, those with ultrasound- or examination-indicated cerclage, those who started progestogen therapy before cerclage, and in sites restricted to the United States. CONCLUSION: Use of progestogen with cerclage was associated with reduced rates of spontaneous preterm birth and early spontaneous preterm birth compared with cerclage alone. Although this study was not sufficiently powered for subgroup analysis, the strength of evidence for benefit appeared greatest for those with ultrasound- or examination-indicated cerclage, and with vaginal progesterone.

Third stage of labor: evidence-based practice for prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

The third stage of labor is defined as the time period between delivery of the fetus through delivery of the placenta. During a normal third stage, uterine contractions lead to separation and expulsion of the placenta from the uterus. Postpartum hemorrhage is a relatively common complication of the third stage of labor. Strategies have been studied to mitigate the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, leading to the widespread implementation of active management of the third stage of labor. Initially, active management of the third stage of labor consisted of a bundle of interventions including administration of a uterotonic agent, early cord clamping, controlled cord traction, and external uterine massage. However, the effectiveness of these interventions as a bundle has been questioned, leading to abandonment of some components in recent years. Despite this, upon review of selected international guidelines, we found that the term "active management of the third stage of labor" was still used, but recommendations for and against individual interventions were variable and not necessarily supported by current evidence. In this review, we: (1) examine the physiology of the third stage of labor, (2) present evidence related to interventions that prevent postpartum hemorrhage and promote maternal and neonatal health, (3) review current global guidelines and recommendations for practice, and (4) propose future areas of investigation. The interventions in this review include pharmacologic agents to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, cord clamping, cord milking, cord traction, cord drainage, early skin-to-skin contact, and nipple stimulation. Treatment of complications of the third stage of labor is outside of the scope of this review. We conclude that current evidence supports the use of effective pharmacologic postpartum hemorrhage prophylaxis, delayed cord clamping, early skin-to-skin contact, and controlled cord traction at delivery when feasible. The most effective uterotonic regimens for preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery include oxytocin plus ergometrine; oxytocin plus misoprostol; or carbetocin. After cesarean delivery, carbetocin or oxytocin as a bolus are the most effective regimens. There is inconsistent evidence regarding the use of tranexamic acid in addition to a uterotonic compared with a uterotonic alone for postpartum hemorrhage prevention after all deliveries. Because of differences in patient comorbidities, costs, and availability of resources and staff, decisions to use specific prevention strategies are dependent on patient- and system-level factors. We recommend that the term "active management of the third stage of labor" as a combined intervention no longer be used. Instead, we recommend that "third stage care" be adopted, which promotes the implementation of evidence-based interventions that incorporate practices that are safe and beneficial for both the woman and neonate.

Effective and simple interventions to improve outcomes for preterm infants worldwide: The FIGO PremPrep-5 initiative.

Preterm birth remains the leading cause of mortality among under-5's and is a major contributor to the reduction in quality-of-life adjusted years and reduction in human capital. Globally, there are many interventions and care bundles that aim to reduce the impact of preterm birth once preterm labor has ensued and into the neonatal period; not all of these are applicable in all settings. Here, we introduce the FIGO PremPrep-5 initiative, which aims to disseminate key information on the most simple and effective interventions with the aim of increasing implementation globally. Before delivery, we recommend a course of antenatal corticosteroids, and intrapartum magnesium sulfate. At delivery, we recommend delayed cord clamping. Postnatally, we recommend early feeding with breast milk and immediate kangaroo care. While there are many other interventions that may improve outcomes at the time of labor and after preterm birth, these are clinically effective and relatively inexpensive options that can be practiced in most settings and supplemented with more advanced care. We include examples of a training video and infographics that will be used for dissemination.

Clinical, Laboratory, Cytometry and Cytogenetic Characteristics of a Cohort of Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma for the First Time in a Third-Level Hospital in Medellín, Colombia, Survival after 8 Years of Follow-Up.

Background:  Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy after lymphomas. Few studies have characterized significant and full variables at the time of diagnosis of multiple myeloma in Colombia, and there is no data evaluating patients for follow-up. Materials and Methods:  A retrospective cohort study is presented, describing the clinical, laboratory, cytometric, and cytogenetic characteristics of patients with a de novo diagnosis of multiple myeloma evaluated in a reference hematology laboratory attached to a highly complex hospital in Medellín, Colombia.  We follow them until death as a main outcome. Results:  A total of 170 patients with a de novo diagnosis of multiple myeloma were collected from a database of 421 patients with different monoclonal gammopathies. Mainly, it was found that 50.8% of the patients were men; the median age was 62 years; 65.4% had secretion of the IgG kappa; half of the patients presented International Staging System (ISS) Stage III. The ß2 macroglobulin >4 mg/L and creatinine >2 mg/dl were the main variables significantly associated with survival (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.4 and 2, respectively). Eighty-five percent of patients presented with bone lytic lesion involvement and less than 3% with extramedullary involvement. Conventional Banding Karyotype (CBK) genetic risk assessment yield was poor, compared with although scarce data regarding Cytogenetic risk assessment based on Fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH). Conclusion:  The clinical profile of the patients with a de novo diagnosis of multiple myeloma in our cohort is similar to that described in international studies. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was documented at younger ages, with more advanced stages, anemia, and a high percentage of bone disease. ISS provides an excellent tool for prognosis purposes. Cytogenetic risk assessment based on FISH should be done for all MM patients from therapeutic implications. We need standardized protocols for bone marrow sample manipulation and processing in order to guarantee good correlation for plasma cells count methods.

Mucocutaneous manifestations and their relationship with CD4 T-lymphocyte count in hospitalized patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Medellín, Colombia / Manifestaciones mucocutáneas y su relación con el recuento de linfocitos T CD4 en pacientes infectados con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana hospitalizados en Medellín, Colombia

Introduction: About 80-95% of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) develop skin manifestations, which are markers of the patients' immune status. Objective: To describe the dermatologic manifestations and the clinical and sociodemographic factors of hospitalized patients diagnosed with HIV and their correlation with CD4 T-lymphocyte count. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the medical records of 227 adult patients with HIV diagnosis evaluated by dermatology in a hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Results: We included 227 patient records with 433 dermatologic manifestations, 64.4% of them infectious. The most frequent manifestations were oral candidiasis, condylomata acuminata, and drug reactions. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was found between disseminated herpes zoster virus and secondary syphilis with a CD4 count between 200-499 cells/mm3 (p=0.04 and 0.028, respectively). There was also a statistically significant relationship between oral candidiasis and a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/mm3 (p=0.008). Conclusions: The relationship between disseminated herpes zoster with CD4 between 200-499 cells/mm3 suggests that, despite having high CD4 counts, severe forms of the disease may occur due to possible T-cell dysfunction and depletion of the immune system. Additionally, the relationship between oral candidiasis and CD4 less than 100 cells/mm3 indicates the potential role of oral candidiasis as an essential marker of weakened immune status in HIV patients.

Introducción. Entre el 80 y el 95 % de los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) desarrollan manifestaciones en la piel que sirven como marcadores de su estado inmunológico. Objetivos. Describir las manifestaciones dermatológicas y los factores clínicos y sociodemográficos de los pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de HIV y su correlación con el recuento de linfocitos T CD4. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de corte transversal y retrospectivo a partir del registro de las historias clínicas de 227 pacientes mayores de edad con diagnóstico de HIV, evaluados por dermatología en un hospital de Medellín, Colombia. Resultados. Los 227 registros daban cuenta de 433 manifestaciones dermatológicas, el 64,4 % de ellas infecciosas. Las tres manifestaciones más frecuentes fueron candidiasis oral, condilomas acuminados y reacciones a medicamentos. Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el virus del herpes zóster (HZ) diseminado y la sífilis secundaria, con un recuento de CD4 entre 200 y 499 células/mm3 (p=0,04 y 0,028, respectivamente), y entre la candidiasis oral y un recuento de CD4 menor de 100 células/mm3 (p=0,008). Conclusiones. La relación entre el herpes zóster diseminado y un recuento de CD4 entre 200 y 499 células/mm3 sugiere que, a pesar de los recuentos altos, se pueden presentar formas graves de la enfermedad debido a una posible disfunción de las células T y el agotamiento del sistema inmunológico. La relación entre la candidiasis oral y un recuento de CD4 menor de 100 células/mm3 plantea la posibilidad de considerar esta infección micótica como un marcador importante de debilitamiento inmunológico de los pacientes con HIV.

Soluble concentrations of the terminal complement complex C5b-9 correlate with end-organ injury in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if soluble levels of C5b-9, the terminal complement complex, correlate with end-organ injury in preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Project COPA (Complement and Preeclampsia in the Americas), a multi-center observational study in Colombia from 2015 to 2016, enrolled hypertensive pregnant women into four groups: chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia with severe features. Trained coordinators collected clinical data, blood and urine. End-organ injury was defined by serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl, aspartate transaminase ≥ 70U/L, platelet count < 150,000/µl, or lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 500 U/L. Data were analyzed by χ2 or Fisher's exact test with significance at P < 0.05. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: C5b-9 concentrations in plasma and urine, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: In total, 298 hypertensive participants were enrolled. Plasma and urine C5b-9 levels were measured in all participants and stratified by quartile (Q1-4), from lowest to highest C5b-9 concentration. Participants with low plasma C5b-9 levels (Q1) were more likely to have end-organ injury compared to those with higher levels (Q2-Q4) [platelet count < 150,000/µl (20.8% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.01); elevated serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl (14.9% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.009)]. In contrast, participants with high urinary C5b-9 levels (Q4) were more likely to have end-organ injury compared to those with lower levels (Q1-Q3) [platelet count < 150,000/µl (19.7% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.003); elevated serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl (12.3% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.025)]. CONCLUSION: We identified a pattern of increased urine and low plasma C5b-9 levels in patients with preeclampsia and end-organ injury. Soluble C5b-9 levels may be used to identify complement-mediated end-organ injury in preeclampsia.

Días de hospitalización por colitis ulcerosa y enfermedad de Crohn según sexo entre los años 2018-2021, Chile / Chile hospital length of stay due to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease according to sex between the years 2018-2021, Chile

Introducción: La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII), como la Enfermedad de Crohn (EC) y la Colitis Ulcerosa (CU), ha experimentado un aumento en las tasas de egreso hospitalario en países en vías de desarrollo, generando una carga adicional a los sistemas de salud y, por ende, mayores costos. Actualmente, en Chile, no se disponen de datos sobre la incidencia y prevalencia de estas enfermedades. Objetivo: Analizar las tasas de egreso hospitalario por CU y EC entre los años 2018-2021 en Chile según el Departamento de Estadística e Información en Salud (DEIS). Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y ecológico. Se utilizó una muestra de 9.109 sujetos, de todos los rangos etarios, hospitalizados con diagnóstico de EC y CU entre 2018-2021. La base de datos se obtuvo del DEIS. No se necesitó aprobación por comité de ética. Resultados: Entre los años 2018-2021, la tasa de egreso hospitalario de CU (9,08) fue mayor que la EC (3,88). Entre 2019-2020 se presentó la mayor caída de las tasas con un descenso de 1,10 para EC y 1,49 para CU. Las mujeres tuvieron una mayor tasa general en ambas enfermedades (4,15 para EC y 10,04 para CU). Las mujeres con EC presentaron una mayor estadía hospitalaria con un promedio de 8,69 días. Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos actualizan la situación epidemiológica nacional respecto a los días de hospitalización por CU y EC, y podrían contribuir a cuantificar los costos de la EII para generar políticas de salud pública.

Introduction: In developing countries, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) has seen an increase in hospital discharge rates, causing an overload on healthcare systems and higher costs. Currently, in Chile, there is no available data on the incidence and prevalence of these diseases. Objective: This study aimed to analyze UC and CD hospital discharges in Chile between the years 2018-2021 according to the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS). Materials and methods: Descriptive, observational, and ecological study. The sample included 9,109 subjects of all age ranges, hospitalized with CD and UC diagnoses between 2018-2021. The database was obtained from DEIS. Ethics committee approval was not required. Results: Between 2018-2021, the hospital discharge rate for UC was higher than for CD. The most significant rate drop occurred between 2019-2020, with a decrease of 1.10 for CD and 1.49 for UC. Women had the highest rates in both diseases (4.15 for CD and 10.04 for UC). Women with CD presented a longer hospital stay, with an average of 8.69 days. Conclusion: The obtained data provide updated information on the national epidemiological situation regarding hospital length of stay due to UC and CD, and could contribute to measuring IBD costs for the creation of public health policies.

FIGO good practice recommendations on modifiable causes of iatrogenic preterm birth.

Iatrogenic preterm birth is a planned delivery that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation due to maternal and/or fetal causes. However, in some cases, such deliveries also occur with no apparent medical indication. The increasing numbers of iatrogenic preterm deliveries worldwide have led researchers to identify modifiable causes that allow the formulation of preventive strategies that could impact the overall preterm birth rate. The present document contains the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) Working Group for Preterm Birth recommendations, aiming to reduce the rates of iatrogenic preterm birth based on four of the most common clinical scenarios and issues related to iatrogenic preterm delivery. The working group supports efforts to identify the contribution of iatrogenic preterm delivery to the overall preterm birth rate and encourages health authorities to establish preventive measures accordingly. We encourage care providers to maintain single embryo transfer policies to prevent multiple pregnancies as a substantial contributor of iatrogenic preterm birth. The working group also recommends that efforts to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections must be warranted, and mechanisms to ensure the appropriate time of delivery and strengthening of education and communication processes must be pursued.

Lipogranuloma Esclerosante Escrotal Primario. Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Primary Scrotal Sclerosing Lipogranuloma. Case report and literature review

RESUMEN El lipogranuloma esclerosante es una condición extraña y benigna que puede afectar cualquier órgano, especialmente los genitales externos masculinos. Se suele presentar como masas subcutáneas en escroto, periné y pene. Aunque la mayoría de los casos son secundarios a aplicación de cuerpos extraños como parafina, vaselina o silicona con propósitos estéticos para aumentar el tamaño del pene, también puede deberse a degeneración lipídica endógena, secundaria a trauma, infecciones o reacciones alérgicas. No existe consenso en cuanto a su manejo ni datos sobre su prevalencia al ser una entidad poco reportada; se ha descrito el manejo con ciclos cortos de corticoides sistémicos, y cirugía en los casos recidivantes. El objetivo de este trabajo es reportar el caso de un paciente que acudió con induración y eritema en pene y escroto, quien negaba la aplicación de sustancias exógenas y que fue llevado a biopsia de la lesión, con diagnóstico de lipogranuloma esclerosante. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(2): 97-102.

ABSTRACT Sclerosing lipogranuloma is a noncommon and benign disease that could affect any system in the body, especially the male external genitalia. It is usually presented as a subcutaneous mass in scrotum, perineum and penis. Although, most cases are secondary to the injection of foreign bodies such as paraffin, petrolatum or silicone for cosmetic purposes to increase penis size, it could also be due to endogenous lipid degeneration, secondary to trauma, infections or allergic reactions. There is no unanimity regarding its management or data on its prevalence as it is a poorly reported entity. Management with short cycles of systemic corticosteroids and surgery in relapsing cases have been described. The purpose of this article is to present a case of a patient with induration and erythema in penis and scrotum, who denied the application of exogenous substances and has a reported biopsy of the lesion with diagnosis of sclerosing lipogranuloma. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(2): 97-102.

Plasma CD59 concentrations are increased in preeclampsia with severe features and correlate with laboratory measures of end-organ injury.

OBJECTIVES: Dysregulation of CD59 may lead to increased complement-mediated end-organ injury in preeclampsia. We sought to determine if soluble CD59 concentrations are altered in preeclampsia with severe features. STUDY DESIGN: Observational case-control study, which enrolled subjects prospectively from six centers in Colombia from 2015 to 2016. Cases had preeclampsia with severe features and controls were either healthy or had chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia without severe features. Trained coordinators collected clinical data, blood and urine. Analyses were by test of medians and Spearman's correlation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Soluble CD59 concentration in plasma and urine, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: In total, 352 subjects were enrolled (104 cases; 248 controls). Compared to healthy women or those with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, women with preeclampsia with severe features had increased concentration of CD59 in plasma (P < 0.001) and decreased CD59 in urine (P = 0.01). In sub-group analyses, plasma CD59 concentrations were increased in preeclampsia with severe features compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001) or controls with either chronic hypertension (P = 0.002) or gestational hypertension (P = 0.02). Increased plasma CD59 concentrations correlated with decreased platelet count and increased lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, aspartate transaminase, urine protein/creatinine ratio, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.01, all correlations). CONCLUSION: In women with preeclampsia with severe features, soluble CD59 concentrations were increased in plasma and decreased in urine, and plasma levels correlated with increased blood pressure and end-organ injury. Soluble CD59 concentrations may help identify a subset of women with preeclampsia that have altered regulation of terminal complement proteins.

Induction of labor in continuing pregnancies.

This chapter aims to provide an evidence-based approach to cervical-ripening methods and induction of labor in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. We will review the epidemiology of induction and will also review pharmacological and mechanical methods of cervical-ripening as well as oxytocin for induction. Lastly, we will review current guidelines of when to determine an induction to be failed.

Laparoscopic port-site metastasis as the manifestation of neuroendocrine prostate cancer: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer is a rare entity that may occur as de novo, or as a result of treatment with androgen deprivation. It is characterized by its rapid progression and poor prognosis, without elevation of the prostate specific antigen (PSA), which is why it is often diagnosed by biopsy of a site of metastasis; there are no established treatment regimens. In this case, metastasis was presented as implantation to a laparoscopic port. These implantations subsequent to laparoscopic procedures in prostate cancer are very rare, with an incidence between 0.09 and 0.7%. The exact pathogenesis of the tumor implantation at the insertion site is not clear, there are several theories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe the case of a 53-year-old patient with a diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy plus lymphadenectomy, staged as PT3BN0 (0/6) M0R1 Gleason 4 + 5. The patient never had negative PSA levels after the treatment, and presented elevation of the same, so radiotherapy was performed at a dose of 66 Gy plus antiandrogen deprivation therapy with leuprolide acetate for 30 months, with a decrease in PSA to 0.011 ng/ml, which remained stable. After 3 months of hormonal therapy, he presented with an umbilical mass on the scar of the laparoscopic port; ultrasound and computed tomography were performed, showing a solid mass dependent of the umbilical upper edge with a defect in the abdominal wall of 3 cm, as well as hepatic nodules suggestive of metastatic lesions and peritoneal implantations. RESULTS: A biopsy of the abdominal wall lesion was performed, documenting poorly differentiated carcinoma with an immune-profile consistent with neuroendocrine carcinoma; immunohistochemistry showed strong and diffuse positivity with cytokeratin cocktail and chromogranin. In conjunction with oncology, treatment with chemotherapy was decided. He received six cycles of cisplatin and etoposide, with progression of his disease and death seven months after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation is a rare entity, usually occurring in the castration resistance stage, with poor prognosis and survival of less than 1 year. It presents as clinical and radiological progression without elevation of the PSA. Although it is very rare, the possible causes include tumor implantation in laparoscopic ports and/or open surgery scars, so caution and certain precautions must be taken when performing radical prostatectomy. In case of suspecting a tumor with neuroendocrine differentiation, biopsy and immunohistochemistry studies should be performed in order to clarify the diagnosis and provide a multimodal treatment based on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Terminal Complement Activation in Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether C5b-9 concentrations in blood and urine are increased in preeclampsia with severe features. METHODS: The Complement and Preeclampsia in the Americas study is a prospective, multicenter case-control study performed at six centers in Colombia from November 2015 to July 2016. The case group included women with preeclampsia with severe features, and the control group included women who were healthy or had chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia without severe features. We enrolled two women in the control group for every woman in the case group. Soluble C5b-9 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in blood and urine. The primary outcome was C5b-9 concentrations in women in the case group compared with all women in the control group, and the secondary outcome was C5b-9 levels in women in the case group compared with individual control subgroups. Differences were assessed by test of medians, and associations were further evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression with α=0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled. Plasma C5b-9 concentrations did not differ significantly between women in the case group and those in the control group, but urine C5b-9 concentrations were higher in women in the case group (median [interquartile range] 9.9 [1.6-43.7] vs 1.8 [0.54-4.1] ng/mL, P<.001). In subgroup analysis, plasma C5b-9 concentrations were increased in women in the case group compared with healthy women in the control group (median [interquartile range] 2,778 [1,633-4,230] vs 1,374 [1,064-2,332] ng/mL, P<.001), and urine C5b-9 concentrations were increased in women in the case group compared with all control subgroups (P<.001). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, urine C5b-9 concentrations differentiated preeclampsia with severe features from hypertensive women in the control group (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.74, 95% CI 0.68-0.80). Urine C5b-9 22 ng/mL or greater (range 0-158.4 ng/mL) was the optimal cut point for diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features with adjusted odds ratio of 10.0 (95% CI 3.5-28.8, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Urinary excretion of terminal complement effector C5b-9 is higher in women with preeclampsia with severe features compared with women with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and women without hypertension.

Validación y comparación de los puntajes CRUSADE y ACTION para predecir el riesgo de sangrado en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / Validation and Comparison of the CRUSADE and ACTION scores to predict the risk of bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation

Resumen Objetivo: validar y comparar las escalas de riesgo de sangrado CRUSADE y ACTION en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) llevados a estratificación coronaria invasiva temprana en un centro de alta complejidad. Métodos: estudio de tipo observacional, analítico y prospectivo, de validación de escalas en una cohorte de pacientes con SCASEST llevados a estratificación coronaria invasiva temprana en un centro cardiovascular. Las escalas de riesgo CRUSADE y ACTION fueron calculadas con las características basales. La ocurrencia de sangrado mayor fue definido por hemorragia intracerebral, retroperitoneal, caída del hematocrito > 12% o necesidad de transfusión cuando el hematocrito fuera > 3 g/dL o > 28% o < 28% con documentación de sangrado clínico o sangrado no relacionado con cirugía de revascularización. Resultados: en este análisis la tasa de sangrado mayor observada fue de 4.8%. La presencia de sangrado mayor se asoció con una probabilidad mayor de mortalidad durante el seguimiento a seis meses (OR 5.316; IC 95% 1.77 -15.92; p= 0.002). La calibración de las escalas de riesgo fue adecuada de acuerdo al estadístico Hosmer-Lemeshow (p>0.05). Ambas escalas demostraron buena discriminación sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el escenario intrahospitalario (AUC ROC CRUSADE ACTION 0.77 vs 0.80 p=0.19), al mes (AUC ROC CRUSADE ACTION 0.70 vs 0.75 p=0.08) y 6 meses (AUC ROC CRUSADE ACTION 0.71 vs 0.76 p=0.09), respectivamente. Conclusiones: las escalas de riesgo CRUSADE y ACTION son herramientas útiles para la predicción del riesgo de sangrado en pacientes con SCASEST llevados a estratificación coronaria invasiva temprana. Estos hallazgos sugieren el uso de la escala ACTION sobre la escala de riesgo CRUSADE.

Abstract Objective: to validate and compare the CRUSADE and ACTION bleeding risk scores in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS) undergoing early invasive coronary stratification in a highly complex center. Methods: an observational, analytical and prospective study of scale validation in a cohort of patients with NSTEACS who underwent early invasive coronary stratification in a cardiovascular center. The CRUSADE and ACTION risk scales were calculated with the baseline characteristics. The occurrence of major bleeding was defined by intracerebral, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, he-matocrit drop > 12% or need for transfusion when the hematocrit was> 3 g/dL or > 28% or <28% with clinical bleeding documentor bleeding not related to revascularization surgery. Results: in this analysis, the highest observed bleeding rate was 4.8%. The presence of major bleeding was associated with a higher probability of mortality during six-month follow-up (OR 5.316, 95% CI 1.77 -15.92, p = 0.002). The calibration of the risk scales was adequate according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic (p> 0.05). Both scales showed good discrimination without statistically significant differences in the intrahospital setting (AUC ROC CRUSADE ACTION 0.77 vs 0.80 p = 0.19) one month (AUC ROC CRUSADE ACTION 0.70 vs 0.75 p = 0.08) and 6 months (AUC ROC CRUSADE ACTION 0.71 vs 0.76 p = 0.09), respectively. Conclusions: the CRUSADE and ACTION risk scales are useful tools for the prediction of bleeding risk in patients with NSTEACS who are undergoing early invasive coronary stratification. These findings suggest the use of the ACTION scale over the CRUSADE risk scale.

Severe Neurologic Disorders in 2 Fetuses with Zika Virus Infection, Colombia.

We report the results of pathologic examinations of 2 fetuses from women in Colombia with Zika virus infection during pregnancy that revealed severe central nervous system defects and potential associated abnormalities of the eye, spleen, and placenta. Amniotic fluid and tissues from multiple fetal organs tested positive for Zika virus.

Urorresonancia en 3 Tesla, técnica, aplicaciones clínicas / Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU) at 3 Tesla, Technique, Clinical Applications

Introducción: La ausencia de radiación ionizante y de medios de contraste yodados son las ventajas más grandes de la urografía por resonancia magnética (uroRM) frente a la urografía por escanografía (uroTAC). Objetivo: Informar la utilidad de la uroRM, sus ventajas y limitaciones mediante diferentes casos, así como las características imaginológicas propias de este estudio en el magneto de 3 Tesla (3T). Métodos: Se inició una recolección de los casos de uroRM desde agosto de 2013 hasta julio de 2014, realizados en resonador de 3T. Conclusiones: La uroRM en 3T proporciona una excelente definición del sistema urinario y permite establecer las etiologías de patología obstructiva y otras lesiones renales.

Introduction: The absence of ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast media are the biggest advantages of magnetic resonance urography (UroRM) against urography scans (UroCT). Objective: Inform the utility of UroRM, its advantages and limitations through different cases and imaging characteristics typical of this study in the 3 Tesla magneto (3T). Methods: A collection of cases of UroRM was started from August 2013 to July 2014, conducted in 3T resonator. Conclusions: 3T UroRM provides an excellent definition of the urinary system and allows for the etiologies of obstructive disease and other renal lesions.

¿Es segura la inyección de alto flujo a través de catéteres centrales para realizar estudios tomográficos? / Is thigh flow injection through central catherers safe for tomographic studies?

Objetivo: Demostrar la seguridad de la inyección mecánica de contraste a través de catéteres centrales, excluyendo catéteres de hemodiálisis y puertos de quimioterapia, a velocidades > 3 ml/seg. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo en pacientes hospitalizados, quienes tenían como única vía de acceso una línea central y en quienes se les realizó inyección mecánica de medio de contraste a una velocidad de 3 y 4 cm3/ seg. Se evaluaron las complicaciones hemodinámicas y relacionadas con la integridad de los catéteres. Resultados: Se inyectaron 20 pacientes a través de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) y 35 pacientes a través de catéteres centrales de inserción periférica (CCIP). No se presentaron complicaciones hemodinámicas ni se observaron complicaciones relacionadas con la integridad del catéter. Conclusión: La inyección mecánica de medio de contraste a través de CVC y CCIP, utilizando velocidades entre 3 y 4,5 ml/seg es una alternativa segura y viable para tomografías contrastadas.

Objective: The objective is to demonstrate the safety of medium contrast mechanical injection through central lines, not through a hemotherapy port or a hemodialysis catherer, at rates > 3 ml/sec. Methods: We performed a descriptive, longitudinal and prospective injection in patients who had a central line as the only venous access, and who underwent a mechanical injection with medium contrast at a rate 3-4 cc / sec. We evaluated complications in hemodynamics and complications related to the integrity of catherers. Results: 20 patients were injected via central venous catheters (CVC) and 35 patients via peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). No complications were observed related to the integrity of the catherer. Conclusion: Medium contrast mechanical injection, performed through CVC and PICC at rates between 3 and 4.5 ml / sec, is considered a safe and viable alternative to contrast-enhanced CT