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Malignant syphilis occurs frequently in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and presents with cutaneous nodular lesions that tend to ulcerate. Non caseating granulomas are among the most conspicuous histopathological findings and require differential diagnosis with other infectious and non-infectious granulomatous conditions. The evolution of the disease is usually favourable with penicillin treatment. We present the case of an HIV-positive patient who meets diagnostic criteria for malignant syphilis and alert on this infrequent granulomatous entity.La sífilis maligna asociada al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV). Se presenta con lesiones nodulares cutáneas con tendencia a la ulceración. Entre sus hallazgos histopatológicos se destaca la presencia de granulomas no caseificantes, lo cual obliga al diagnóstico diferencial con otras patologías granulomatosas infecciosas y no infecciosas. La evolución de la enfermedad es favorable con el tratamiento con penicilina en la mayoría de los casos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con infección por HIV que cumple criterios diagnósticos de sífilis maligna y alertamos sobre esta entidad granulomatosa poco frecuente.

The objective of the study was to describe the clinical and demographic aspects of patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) included in the Argentine MS Registry (RelevarEM, Clinical Trials registry number 03375177). RelevarEM is a longitudinal, strictly observational registry of patients with MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Clinical and demographic aspects were described in patients with SPMS and compared with relapsing remitting MS patients (RRMS). A total of 1723 patients with MS were included (1605, 93.2% RRMS and 118, 6.8%, SPMS). In SPMS, the median age was 53 (inter quartile range [IQR] 47-62) years, 67% were women, median disease duration of 19.5 (IQR 14-26) years, median EDSS (expanded disability status scale) 6.5 and 48.3% were under treatment for their MS. Only 23.7% of patients with SPMS were actively working and 86% had a disability certificate; 35.6% of patients with SPMS presented new lesions in MRI and 5% had clinical relapses during the past 12 months of the registry entry showing a significantly lower disease activity compared with RRMS (p < 0.01).

The solitary fibrous tumor/ hemangiopericytoma (TFS/HP) is a rare mesenchymal extraaxial tumour. TFS/HP can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other extra-axial tumors like meningioma, which can be clinically and radiologically indistinguishable. Molecular analysis with STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) nuclear expression or NAB2-STAT6 (NGFI-A binding protein 2) fusion is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. We present 3 cases, 2 women and 1 male, with pathological diagnosis of meningothelial meningioma in the first case; cases 2 and 3 with radiological suspicion of meningioma. The pathological review with molecular study certified the diagnosis of TFS/HP. For differential diagnosis between meningeal TFS/HP and meningioma, it is recommended to look for STAT6 expression as a first step, or NAB2-STAT6 fusion in order to confirm TFS/HP. The review of biopsy samples must be guaranteed in all patients, including those who were studied in Pathology Services Level 3.El tumor fibroso solitario/ hemangiopericitoma (TFS/HP) es un tumor extraaxial de origen mesenquimático de infrecuente observación, que usualmente se confunde con el meningioma, del cual puede ser clínica y radiológicamente indistinguible. El análisis molecular con la detección de la expresión nuclear STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) o la fusión NAB2-STAT6 (NGFI-A binding protein 2) es recomendable para confirmar el diagnóstico. Presentamos 3 casos clínicos, 2 mujeres y 1 varón, con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de meningioma meningotelial en el primer caso; y los casos 2 y 3 con sospecha radiológica de meningioma. La revisión anatomopatológica con estudio molecular permitió certificar el diagnóstico de TFS/HP. Para el diagnóstico diferencial entre TFS/HP meníngeo y meningioma, se recomienda buscar la expresión de STAT6 como primer paso o la fusión NAB2-STAT6. La revisión de las muestras de biopsia debe estar garantizada en todos los pacientes, inclusive en aquellas que fueron estudiadas en Servicios de Patología Nivel 3.

Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with adverse effects on offspring perinatal outcomes. These could be reduced significantly with an adequate glycemic control in early stages of gestation. In the last decade, new studies have shown the effects of maternal diabetes in the long-term health of the offspring, like impaired neurodevelopment and its impact on educational and occupational outcome. This can be classified, from the clinical and diagnostic perspective, in three main groups: learning and cognitive disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. This paper has the objective to give a non-systematic upgrade of the current evidence on the subject, and to understand the underlying mechanisms of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes which in turn may lead to strategies for its prevention.

Telemedicine is the provision of services by health professionals through the use of information and communication technologies. Its implementation is usually carried out through systems of va riable usability. In 2016, Parmanto et al, developed and validated a questionnaire in English that measures its usability and allows to evaluate all factors that influence it. In 2019, we translated, adapted cross-culturally, and published this questionnaire in Spanish. With the aim of transforming it into a reliable and accessible tool, the utility of which is indisputable in the current context, we carried out a research work that allowed its validation and simplification.

We present the results of 105 patients with life-threatening hemoptysis who were treated with the systemic arterial and/or pulmonary artery routes. We also describe the procedure techniques and the angiographic findings. We show the usefulness of the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy and chest radiography to identify the bleeding zone previous to the procedure. From May 2000 to September 2015, a total of 105 patients were admitted to the Catheterization Laboratory with a diagnosis of life-threatening hemoptysis; 76 were male (72.4%) and mean age was 41 ± 18.65 years. Treatment was successful in 93% (98/105). In 90% (88/98) the approach was via the bronchial arteries and/or non-bronchial systemic arteries, and in 10% (10/98) the approach was via the pulmonary artery. In bilateral affection angiographic images alone could not identify accurately the site of the lung bleeding. Flexible fibrobronchoscopy was performed in 60% (63/98) and located the bleeding area in 84% (56/63). In unilateral affection, chest radiography previous to the procedure located the bleeding area in 47%. No complications or death were related to the procedure. The treatment of life threatening hemoptysis by a percutaneous way has a high percentage of primary success with a very low incidence of complications. Pulmonary arterial route treatment is an alternative approach. Flexible fibrobronchoscopy is an important complement to this entity.

Cell therapy and regenerative medicine are currently active areas for biomedical research. In most tissues, there are self-repair mechanisms carried out mainly by resident stem cells that can differentiate and replace dead cells or secrete trophic factors that stimulate the regenerative process. These mechanisms often fail in degenerative diseases; thus it is postulated that exogenous cell therapy can contribute to tissue regeneration and repair. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells, which could be easily expanded in vitro and have the ability to selectively migrate toward injured tissues, evade the immune system recognition, and secrete trophic factors to support tissue repair. Furthermore, MSCs could be engineered for the delivery of therapeutic genes. The main sources for MSCs are bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. A number of pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that MSCs therapy is safe for both autologous and allogeneic uses. This review summarizes information about the properties of MSCs and their therapeutic potential for a broad spectrum of diseases. We also present here the last data about clinical trials that position the use of MSCs as an interesting tool for tissue regeneration and the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally, but their optimal prevention remains a challenge. A high-risk approach can only have a limited effect at a population level, while population-based strategies can improve and extend the coverage of a high-risk approach. However, one main problem for promoting cardiovascular diseases prevention public policies is the difficulty to foresee population health benefits of a single policy. Computer simulation models can assist with this problem, due to their ability to estimate intervention effects over different periods, and by scaling up the evidence to a broader, more diverse population. Their applicability to countries with different social, political and economic contexts can assist in the design of public policies. There are several models that assess health and economics scenarios, but regardless which model is chosen, when adequately used, they can provide reasonable estimations of health policies' impact. There is a growing consensus amongst the public health communities about the powerful role of population-level policies. They are more effective, cost saving and more equitable when compared with individual-level interventions. Policy makers and the public health community need to make further progress in changing the focus of prevention, from individuals to populations.

Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDi) is the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea. Vancomycin, associated or not to metronidazol, is the treatment of choice. However, the rate of treatment failure has increased over the last years and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a therapeutic option. To evaluate safety and efficacy of FMT were enrolled 21 hospitalized patients with refractory or recurrent CDi between 2016 and 2019. Fourteen (66%) patients were men and the average age was 76.5 years (range 33-92). Ten had recurrent and 11 refractory CDi, and 18 presented severe and 3 fulminant clinical forms. In 20 cases the FMT was delivered through a nasojejunal tube and in one patient with ileo via enema infusion. Frozen fecal from a stool bank were administered in 20 and in the remaining was used fresh fecal matter. The rate of resolution was observed in 20 patients (95.2%) and none presented recurrence. The response rate was similar in recurrent or refractory forms (9/10 vs 11/11 respectively). One patient with osteomyelitis and multiple organ failure received 2 FMT without response and died. Seven patients (31%) presented mild and self-limited adverse effects. FMT has shown a high efficacy as rescue treatment in cases with refractory or recurrent CDi regardless of severity, with mild side effects. Availability of a stool banks provide reliable, timely and equitable access to FMT for CDi.La infección por Clostridioides difficile (iCD) es la causa más frecuente de diarrea nosocomial. La primera línea terapéutica es la vancomicina asociada o no al metronidazol. En los últimos años se incrementó el número de fracasos terapéuticos con una mayor frecuencia de formas refractarias o recurrentes. El trasplante de microbiota fecal (TMF) ha surgido como una opción terapéutica para estos casos. Se evaluó la seguridad y la tasa de resolución empleando el TMF en un estudio observacional abierto y prospectivo de 21 pacientes con iCD recurrentes o refractarias internados entre los años 2016 y 2019. La edad media fue de 76.5 años (33-92). Diez presentaron una forma recurrente y 11 una refractaria, 18 fueron graves y 3 fulminantes. En 20 casos el TMF se administró por la vía digestiva alta y en uno por presentar íleo se utilizó la vía baja. Se empleó TMF de heces frescas en un caso y el resto recibió muestras congeladas de un banco de microbiota. Veinte pacientes (95.2%) tuvieron respuesta terapéutica favorable sin presentar recurrencias. Un caso recurrente, con osteomielitis y falla multiorgánica, no tuvo resolución tras dos TMF. La respuesta fue similar en las formas recurrentes y refractarias. Siete pacientes (31%) tuvieron efectos adversos leves y autolimitados. El TMF ha demostrado una alta eficacia como tratamiento de rescate de las formas graves de iCD, con escasos y leves efectos adversos. Contar con un banco de microbiota fecal resulta fundamental para disponer de este recurso terapéutico oportunamente.

Agranulocytosis associated with cocaine use is a phenomenon linked to the presence of levamisole, an anthelminthic and immunomodulating agent, used as an adulterant to cocaine. This reaction has been associated with the presence of HLA B27. In addition to agranulocytosis, people who use levamisole-adulterated cocaine may develop fever, skin lesions, arthralgias, and less frequently, inflammatory enthesitis and arthritis. We present the case of a cocaine-consuming patient with HLA B27 genotype, who developed febrile agranulocytosis and inflammatory arthropathy. The presence of p ANCA, atypical ANCA and MPO was detected in blood, and other causes of agranulocytosis were excluded. He was treated with corticosteroids and later methotrexate, therapy for addiction, with good evolution.La agranulocitosis asociada al consumo de cocaína es un fenómeno vinculado a la presencia de levamisol, un agente antihelmíntico e inmunomodulador, usado como adulterante de la cocaína. Esta reacción puede presentarse con mayor frecuencia en personas con HLA B27. Además de la agranulocitosis, las personas que consumen cocaína adulterada con levamisol pueden desarrollar fiebre, lesiones en piel, artralgias y, menos frecuentemente, artritis y entesitis inflamatoria. Presentamos el caso de un paciente consumidor de cocaína, con genotipo HLA B27, que desarrolló agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva. En sangre se detectó la presencia de ANCA p, ANCA atípico y MPO, y fueron excluidas otras causas de agranulocitosis. Fue tratado con corticoides y posteriormente metotrexato, terapia de deshabituación, con buena evolución.

Hyperprolactinemia may be associated with psychiatric disorders in the context of two scenarios: antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia and psychiatric disorders arising from the medical treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Both situations are particularly common in psychiatric and endocrine clinical practice, albeit generally underestimated or unrecognized. The aim of this article is to provide tools for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia associated with psychiatric disorders to raise awareness, especially among psychiatrists and endocrinologists, so that these professionals can jointly focus on the appropriate management of this clinical entity.

The PROFUND index is one of the suggested prognostic scores in pluripathological patients (PP). Despite the prognostic value of malnutrition and its prevalence in this population, it does not include a variable that estimates nutritional status. Subjective global assessment (SGA) is a widely validated tool for this purpose. The prognostic capacity of 12-month mortality of PROFUND index and SGA in PP admitted to a medical clinic was evaluated by a prospective and observational study. 111 patients entered the study. Age 75.8 (± 9.3) years. PROFUND index 7.6 (± 4.7) points. 60.1% had moderate-severe malnutrition due to VGS. 66 died within the year. In the Cox model, SGA and PROFUND index are associated with mortality at 12 months (p < 0.0001 and p 0.0026 respectively). In severe malnutrition, the risk is approximately 6 times higher compared to normonutrition (HR: 6.514, 95% CI 2.826-15.016) and for the same level of SGA, the risk is 10% higher for each point that the PROFUND index increases (HR: 1.106, 95% CI 1.036-1.181). The AUC for predicting 12-month mortality from PROFUND index and SGA was: 0.747 (95% CI: 0.656-0.838); 0.733 (95% CI: 0.651-0.816) and when combining the two variables: 0.788 (95% CI: 0.703-0.872, p 0.048). In conclusion, PROFUND index and SGA are associated with mortality and have a similar prognostic value. The combination of both tools would allow better prognosis and management in this complex population.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition. OSA is defined as very severe when the apneas/ hypopneas index (AHI) is greater than 60 events/hour. However, its prevalence remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics from patients with OSA according to severity. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients18 years, assessed by respiratory polygraph. We evaluated a total of 5670 patients with a mean of age of 54.4 ± 14.3 years old, of which 3606 were included in the OSA group. The overall prevalence of very severe OSA was 4.8%, being higher in men than in women (6.8 vs 1.9%). This group of patients was younger than the less severe groups (54.7 ± 13.9: mild OSA; 56.5 ± 12.9: moderate OSA; 57.9 ± 13.0: severe OSA vs 51.5 ± 12.9 years in the very severe patients; p0.0001). The results showed a significant increase in the body mass index (BMI) of patients with very severe OSA (31.6 ± 6.9: mild OSA, 32.8 ± 6.6: moderate OSA, 34.0 ± 6.8 severe OSA vs 37.1 ± 8.5 extreme severity; p0.0001), with similar results in men, but not in women. Finally, drowsiness due to ESS10, showed a significant increase in the very severe group of both sexes; 43.2% vs 31.5% (severe OSA); 26.4% (moderate OSA) and 23.8% (mild OSA). Very severe OSA presented a prevalence of 4.8% of patients with OSA. According to previous publications in other studied populations, we found that patients with very severe OSA are younger and more obese than the less severe groups.La apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) constituye una afección prevalente. Se define AOS muy grave cuando el índice de apneas/hipopneas (IAH) es mayor a 60 eventos/hora. Sin embargo, su prevalencia sigue siendo incierta. El objetivo de este estudio fue d escribir la prevalencia y características de pacientes con AOS según la gravedad. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes18 años, evaluados mediante poligrafía respiratoria. Fueron evaluados 5670 de los cuales se incluyeron 3606 pacientes con AOS, con una media de edad de 54.4 ± 14.3 años. La prevalencia global de AOS muy grave fue de 4.8%, siendo mayor en hombres que en mujeres (6.8 vs. 1.9). Este grupo resultó más joven que los grupos de menor gravedad (54.7 ± 13.9: AOS leve; 56.5 ± 12.9: AOS moderado; 57.9 ± 13.1: AOS grave vs. 51.5 ± 12.9 años en los muy graves; p0.0001). Los resultados mostraron un aumento significativo del índice de masa corporal en aquellos con AOS muy grave (31.6 ± 6.9: AOS leve, 32.8 ± 6.6: AOS moderado, 34.0 ± 6.8 AOS grave vs. 37.1 ± 8.5 de gravedad extrema; p0.0001), con resultados similares en hombres, pero no en mujeres. Finalmente, la somnolencia por ESS10, mostró un aumento significativo en el grupo muy graves de ambos sexos; 43.2% vs. un 31.5% (AOS grave); 26.4% (AOS moderado) y un 23.8% (AOS leve). El AOS muy grave presenta una prevalencia del 4.8% de los pacientes con AOS. En acuerdo con publicaciones previas en otras poblaciones estudiadas, encontramos que los pacientes con AOS muy graves, son más jóvenes y obesos que los grupos de menor gravedad.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to measures of social isolation, labor restrictions, a strong information campaign and the suspension of scheduled medical activities. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of these measures on the number of hospitalizations in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units, with the hypothesis that the social behavior generated by this emergency promotes a decreased demand for medical care, even when severe cardiovascular disease is involved. We compared the number of admissions in March-April 2010-2019 versus March-April 2020, based on a prospective study including six institutions (three public and three private) that use Epi-Cardio® as a multicenter registry of cardiovascular care unit discharge. Altogether, we included 6839 patients discharged during the 11-year study period (2010-2020). The average number of patient admissions on March-April 2010-19 was 595 (CI 95%: 507-683) and decreased to 348 in 2020 (fall of 46.8%, p0.001). The reasons for hospitalization were classified into 11 groups and a statistically significant reduction was seen in 10 of these groups: cardiovascular surgery 72.3%, electrophysiological interventions 67.8%, non-ST acute coronary syndromes 52.6%, angioplasties 47.6%, arrhythmias 48.7%, heart failure 46%, atrial fibrillation 35.7%, ST elevation myocardial infarction 34.7%, non cardiac chest pain 31.8%, others 51.6%. Although with low prevalence, hypertensive crisis increased in 89%. The abrupt decrease observed in the number of admissions due to critical pathologies may be considered an "adverse effect" related to the measures adopted, with potentially severe consequences. This trend could be reversed by improving public communication and policy adjustment.La pandemia de COVID-19 ha llevado a medidas de aislamiento social, restricciones laborales, fuerte campaña mediática y suspensión de las actividades médicas programadas. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue relevar el impacto de estas medidas sobre las internaciones en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiovasculares, con la hipótesis de que se ha generado un comportamiento social que puede disminuir la demanda de consultas, aun las de enfermedades graves. Comparamos las internaciones de marzo-abril de 2010-2019 con las del mismo bimestre de 2020 sobre la base del registro prospectivo multicéntrico Epi-Cardio® en seis instituciones, tres públicas y tres privadas, que utilizan la epicrisis computarizada para las altas. Fueron incluidos 6839 egresos de ese bimestre en los 11 años. El promedio del número de internaciones en ese bimestre del decenio 2010-19 fue 595 (intervalo de confianza 95%: 507-683) y se redujo a 348 en 2020 (caída del 46.8%, p0.001). En la agrupación por 11 causas de internación, la reducción observada fue: cirugía cardiovascular 72.3%, intervenciones electrofisiológicas 67.8%, síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST 52.6%, angioplastias 47.6%, arritmias 48.7%, insuficiencia cardíaca 46%, fibrilación auricular 35.7%, infarto con elevación del ST 34.7%, dolor no coronario 31.8% y otros 51.6%. Solo se incrementaron las consultas por crisis hipertensivas (89%), aunque la prevalencia fue baja. La caída observada en la internación de entidades clínicas críticas ha sido un "efecto adverso" de las medidas adoptadas ante la pandemia, con consecuencias potencialmente graves, que podrían revertirse con un ajuste de las políticas y la comunicación pública.

One in 10 patients with ischemic stroke has comorbid cancer. Our goal was to compare stroke patients with cancer against those without cancer in terms of clinical and radiological features, and the underlying mechanism. We conducted a retrospective case-control study in patients admitted with ischemic stroke between July 2013 and September 2018. Cases had a concomitant diagnosis of cancer and acute ischemic stroke, controls only of ischemic stroke. Age, gender, vascular risk factors (VRF), pattern of ischemic lesion in neuroimaging, etiology and clinical outcome were compared between groups. Fifty-seven cases were identified, 61% were male (n = 35), and mean age was 75 ± 11. Fiftytwo had known oncologic disease at the onset of stroke. Most of them had solid tumors (91%, n = 52), and 54% (n = 31) had a non-metastatic tumor at the time of stroke. Prevalence of common VRF between groups was not significantly different. Previous deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism were more frequent in the cancer cohort (8% vs. 1%, p = 0.01). The average NIHSS was 3.8 ± 4 in the cancer group and 9 ± 7 in the control group (p = 0.01). Small artery disease as the etiology of stroke was significantly less common in the cancer group (2% vs. 26%, p = 0.001). Regarding neuroimaging, the embolic pattern was more frequent in patients with cancer (82% vs. 35%, p = 0.001). In these patients recurrence and mortality at 90 days was three and six times higher (10% vs. 3%, and 18% vs. 3%. p = 0.08 and 0.001, respectively).

Prognostic models have been developed to help make decisions in the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). Among them, the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and simplified PESI (sPESI), however they have not been validated in our setting. The objective was to evaluate PESI and sPESI scores ability to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with PE in Argentina. We analyzed a database of 75 academic centers in Argentina that included consecutive patients with PE from 2016 to 2017. The scores were prospectively calculated, and in-hospital and 30 days mortality were assessed. The validation of the models was assessed through discrimination using the area under the ROC curve (AUC), and calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test. The cohort included 684 patients. In-hospital mortality was 12% and at 30 days an additional 3.2% mortality was registered. The AUC (95% CI) for in-hospital mortality was 0.75 (0.69-0.81) for PESI and 0.77 (0.71-0.82) for sPESI (p = 0.2 between scores). AUC of 30-day mortality 0.75 (0.68-0.8) and 0.78 (0.74-0.83) for PESI and sPESI (p = 0.2 between scores). Both models presented good calibration. The PESI and sPESI risk scores demonstrated similar performance and good accuracy in predicting hospital and 30-day mortality. Both scores can be established as simple prediction tools for PE patients in Argentina.

This is a preliminary, multicenter, retrospective cohort study, including 272 consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to hospitals in Buenos Aires Province, between May 15th and July 1st, 2020, included in an expanded access program to convalescent plasma. Our objectives were to analyze mortality and its independent risk factors, and to assess the occurrence of a favorable evolution, defined as hospital discharge, or stay at the ward, or transfer from ICU to ward. Patients were stratified int o 4 subgroups: admission to the ward with pneumonia and/or oxygen requirement (WARD; n = 100); ICU admission (ICU; n = 87); ICU admission with requirement of mechanical ventilation (ICU-MV; n = 56), and ICU-MV plus septic shock (ICU-MV-SS; N = 29). Mortality at 28 days was 26.1% for the entire group, 14.0% for WARD group, 18.4% for ICU, 44.6% for ICU-MV, and 55.2% for ICU-MV-SS. Mean survival time (days) was 25.6 ± 0.6 (WARD); 25.3 ± 0.7 (ICU); 20.8 ± 1.2 (ICU-MV) and 18.2 ± 1.8 (ICU-MV-SS). Independent predictors of mortality were MV, septic shock and weight. A favorable evolution occurred in 81.4% of WARD patients; in 70.9% of ICU; in 39.6% of ICU-MV and in 27.6% of ICU-MV-SS patients. Severity of illness on admission, age, weight and heart rate were independently associated with evolution. No major adverse effects were recorded. The lack of a control group precluded the estimation of efficacy. However, our 26% mortality rate was higher than that of the treatment arm of clinical trials comparing plasma with usual treatment, which might be ascribed to higher proportion of patients with MV and septic shock in our cohort.

COVID-19 has had a rapid dissemination. Departing from China, the virus has traveled all around the world. With the use of accurate mathematical models, the global spread of the disease was anticipated. Some additional information to these predictive models could be provided by the comparison of freely available maps depicting commercial air travel routes and disease spread. This analysis informs on what seems to be a direct relationship between the initially unequal worldwide distribution of the disease and the density of the commercial air traffic. This comparison may also help to identify international distributional hubs of the disease out of China. The observation of this easily accessible information may contribute to the understanding of COVID-19 spill over and help health control policies to better focus on the spread of this and other aggressively spreading respiratory infectious diseases.

Infection with the SARS coronavirus type 2 (COVID-19) has a variety of presentations, with little data on the evolution of affected patients in Argentina. This is a retrospective and observational study of patients with virological confirmation of coronavirus treated during the months of March to May in a private third-level university hospital in Buenos Aires. O ne hundred and fifty-five adult patients were included, of which 30.3% attended only for a swab; 59.4% were admitted to the hospital and 10.3% were hospitalized at home with daily telephone follow-up. Fifty-four point two percent of participants were women and the median age was 35 years (ICQ 29 to 50). About 59.3% of patients had some risk factor, including age (65 years old or more), underlying chronic disease, were health workers or personnel/residents in a nursing home. The most frequent symptom was fever (75.9%), followed by cough (65.7%), and odyno phagia (48.2%). Globally, 93.5% experienced some symptoms while 17.6% of the participants presented some symptoms but without fever. Chest tomographies were performed to 5 patients. Their chest radiograph was normal or non-diagnostic. Fourteen patients required intensive therapy and 6 of them required mechanical ventilation, 4 of them died. The remaining 2 patients were referred to chronic care centers. No patient with home hospitalization required admission to hospital or died. While this observation is encouraging, it will need to be confirmed with new studies.La infección por COVID-19 tiene presentaciones variadas, siendo aún escasos los datos de evolución de pacientes afectados en Argentina. Este es un estudio retrospectivo, observacional de pacientes con confirmación virológica de coronavirus atendidos entre marzo y mayo 2020 en un hospital privado universitario de tercer nivel de Buenos Aires. Se incluyeron 155 pacientes adultos de los cuales 47 (30.3%) concurrieron solo para realizarse un hisopado; 92 (59.4%) fueron internados en el hospital y 16 (10.3%) tuvieron internación domiciliaria con seguimiento telefónico diario. El 54.2% fueron mujeres con mediana de edad de 35 años (rango intercuartil [RIC] 29 a 50). El 59.4% (92) tenían algún factor de riesgo, incluyendo edad igual o mayor a 65 años, enfermedad crónica predisponente, eran personal de salud o trabajaban/residían en geriátrico. En los 108 que tuvieron seguimiento, el síntoma más frecuente fue fiebre (75.9%), seguido de tos (65.7%), y odinofagia (48.2%). La odinofagia fue más frecuente en mujeres (p = 0.035) y la disnea en hombres (p = 0.014). El 93.5% de los participantes (101) experimentaron síntomas, mientras que 17.6% (19) presentó algún síntoma, pero encontrándose afebriles. En 5 participantes a los que se les realizó una tomografía se observó que la radiografía había sido normal o no diagnóstica. Catorce pacientes requirieron terapia intensiva y 6 de ellos necesitaron ventilación mecánica, falleciendo cuatro. Los 2 pacientes restantes fueron derivados a centros de cuidados crónicos. Ningún paciente con internación domiciliaria requirió ser hospitalizado ni falleció. Si bien esta observación resulta alentadora, deberá ser confirmado en nuevos estudios.

Severe skin and soft tissue infections present a high morbidity and mortality and require a complex surgical treatment. Its estimated annual incidence is 0.3 to 5 cases per 10 000 people. The most common etiologic agents are Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobes and gram-negative bacilli. A prompt diagnosis and the timely initiation of an empirical antibiotic scheme and repeated surgical debridement can avert a worrisome outcome. New therapeutic options are promising, especially for infections caused by multidrug resistant germs. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental for the correct management of these conditions.

Diabetic foot attack has an acute and severe presentation that threatens the affected limb and the patient's life. It is a term that arises from the need to identify those patients that require urgent intervention; it conveys a sense of urgency and severity, reminding the term of "time is tissue". The classic presentation is that of a severe infected foot with rapidly progressive necrosis that requires urgent surgery to debride all necrotic tissue and purulent collections, providing an adequate antibiotic treatment. Ischemic diabetic foot attack that demands urgent revascularization and the acute Charcot neuroarthropathy for which primacy is given to diagnostic confirmation and off-loading are also consid ered atypical presentations of diabetic foot attack. The aim of identifying these diabetic foot presentations is to promote rapid intervention to provide adequate and effective treatment, avoiding the most feared complication which is the limb amputation. In the present review, a description of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment and evolution of the three types of diabetic foot attack is made.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a tumor with high local recurrence rate. Sixteen patients (18 desmoid tumors) were retrospectively evaluated. Initial surgery was performed in 13/18 tumors, with complete resection in 6 (one with free margin and five with microscopic residual disease); 10/13 had local relapse. Eleven patients with 13 tumors underwent treatment with methotrexate-vinblastine. The response rate to chemotherapy was 54%, and up to 81% if stable disease cases were included. The best response was partial remission. Only 2 had grade 4 toxicity. Twelve of 15 patients had sequelae. In 8 cases sequelae were directly related to the surgical intervention and 3 of them were severe. The 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 30% and 93.3%, respectively. DF has a high local relapse rate, regardless of surgical margin involvement. Low dose chemotherapy achieved stable disease and even remission of the lesions with low toxicity. The high rate of sequelae is probably related to the initial surgery performed in the majority of patients and may be avoided by the use of neoadjuvant low dose chemotherapy.

Placental transmogrification of the lung is an extremely rare lesion, associated with giant bullous emphysema and considered by some authors to be a histological variant of unilateral giant bullous emphysema. Its etiology is still unknown and represents a challenge for both clinical and pathological diagnosis. We present the case of a young patient, who consults with dyspnea of one year of evolution, and whose postoperative diagnosis includes this rare entity.La transmogrificación placentaria del pulmón es una lesión extremadamente infrecuente, asociada al enfisema bulloso gigante y considerada por algunos autores una variante histológica del enfisema bulloso gigante unilateral. Su etiología aún es desconocida y representa un desafío tanto para el diagnóstico clínico como anatomopatológico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente joven, que consulta con disnea de un año de evolución, y cuyo diagnóstico postoperatorio incluye esta rara entidad.

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by a genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase) leading to the accumulation of glucocerebroside in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The early diagnosis allows a prompt enzyme replacement therapy reversing cytopenias and visceromegaly and preventing irreversible bone lesions. Current diagnostic algorithms are based on well-recognized hematological manifestations. Although bone symptoms are present in 25-32% of the patients, they are not usually suspected as associated with Gaucher disease at clinical presentation. We designed an educational program aimed to give advice on the skeletal involvement in GD and a new diagnostic algorithm that considers bone symptoms to facilitate its early diagnosis (BIG project: Bone Involvement in Gaucher Disease). The study aims at describing the BIG project and the results of its application in our clinic in various cities in Argentina. Within the frame of this project, between March 2017 and December 2018, 38 dry blood spot samples from patients with bon e manifestations suspected of having GD were submitted to quantification of GCase activity. One sample did not meet the inclusion criteria. Deficient GCase activity was detected in three of the remaining 37 samples. The diagnosis of GD was confirmed in two girls who presented bone manifestations of 4 and 2 years of evolution, respectively, without hematological alterations. The third patient with low enzyme activity had normal leukocyte GCase. The two newly diagnosed cases of GD show the efficacy of our dual strategy aimed to facilitate the early diagnosis of this rare disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in most regions of the world, usually followed by infectious diseases. For decades, infections in general, and particularly those involving the respiratory system, have been known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and their consequent morbidity and mortality. Although vaccines are an excellent strategy in the prevention of infectious diseases, the proportion of immunized adults in our country is frankly deficient. Multiple barriers contribute to perpetuating this problem, within which the lack of prescription of the same by professionals who care for vulnerable populations occupies a central place. Patients with cardiovascular disease represent a particularly risky subpopulation. The spectrum of pathologies that can trigger respiratory infections is wide: development or worsening of heart failure, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes and cerebrovascular diseases, among the main ones. The role of immunoprophylaxis with influenza, pneumococcal and tetanus vaccine in patients with different heart diseases is addressed here, evaluating the evidence supporting its use, and placing special emphasis on practical aspects of its use, such as adverse effects, contraindications and special care situations, such as congenital heart disease in adults, heart transplantation, anticoagulation or egg allergy. Thus, this document aims to assist in decision-making for any doctor involved in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.Las enfermedades cardiovasculares ocupan la primera causa de muerte en la mayoría de las regiones del mundo, seguidas habitualmente por las enfermedades infecciosas. Desde hace décadas se conoce que las infecciones en general, y particularmente las que involucran el aparato respiratorio, se vinculan con un incremento en el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, y su consecuente morbimortalidad. Si bien las vacunas constituyen una excelente estrategia en la prevención de enfermedades infectocontagiosas, la proporción de adultos inmunizados en nuestro país es francamente deficitaria. Múltiples barreras contribuyen a perpetuar esta problemática, dentro de las cuales la falta de prescripción de las mismas por parte de los profesionales que atienden a poblaciones vulnerables ocupa un lugar central. Los pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares representan una subpoblación de particular riesgo. El espectro de enfermedades que pueden originar las infecciones respiratorias es amplio: desarrollo o empeoramiento de insuficiencia cardíaca, arritmias, síndromes coronarios agudos y enfermedades cerebrovasculares, entre los principales. Se aborda aquí el rol de la inmunoprofilaxis con vacuna antigripal, antineumocócica y antitetánica en pacientes con diferentes cardiopatías, valorando la evidencia que respalda su empleo y haciendo especial hincapié en aspectos prácticos de su utilización, como efectos adversos, contraindicaciones y situaciones especiales de atención: cardiopatías congénitas del adulto, trasplante cardíaco, individuos anticoagulados o con alergia al huevo. Así, este documento tiene como objetivo asistir en la toma de decisiones a cualquier médico involucrado en el cuidado de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular.

Treating an anticoagulated patient with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) remains a challenge, especially in areas where dicoumarins are still the first drug of choice due to the cost of other oral anticoagulants. Anticoagulation clinics have proven to be the most efficient and safe way to avoid thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications and to keep patients in optimal treatment range. However, they require adequate infrastructure and trained personnel to work properly. In this Argentine consensus we propose a series of guidelines for the effective management of the anticoagulation clinics. The goal is to achieve the excellence in both the clinical healthcare and the hemostasis laboratory for the anticoagulated patient. The criteria developed in the document were agreed upon by a large group of expert specialists in hematology and biochemistry from all over the country. The criteria presented here must always be considered when indicating VKA although they had to be adapted to the unequal reality of each center. Taking these premises into consideration will allow us to optimize the management of the anticoagulated patient with VKA and thus minimize thrombotic and hemorrhagic intercurrences, in order to honor our promise not to harm the patient.El tratamiento de un paciente anticoagulado con antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) sigue siendo un desafío, especialmente en regiones donde, por el costo, los dicumarínicos son todavía la alternativa más buscada a la hora de elegir un anticoagulante oral. Las clínicas de anticoagulación han demostrado ser la forma más eficiente y segura de evitar complicaciones trombóticas y hemorrágicas y de mantener al paciente en rango óptimo de tratamiento. Sin embargo, requieren de una adecuada infraestructura y personal capacitado para que funcionen eficientemente. En este consenso argentino se propone una serie de parámetros para la gestión efectiva de una clínica de anticoagulación. El objetivo es lograr una elevada calidad desde el punto de vista clínico-asistencial a través de un laboratorio de hemostasia de excelencia. Los criterios desarrollados en el documento fueron consensuados por un amplio grupo de expertos especialistas en hematología y en bioquímica de todo el país. Estos criterios deben adaptarse a la irregular disponibilidad de recursos de cada centro, pero siempre se los debe tener en cuenta a la hora de indicar el tratamiento anticoagulante con estas drogas. Tener en consideración estas premisas nos permitirá optimizar la atención del enfermo anticoagulado con AVK y de esta forma minimizar las intercurrencias trombóticas y hemorrágicas a las que está expuesto, para así honrar nuestra promesa de no dañar al paciente.

Neurological complications in orthotopic heart transplantation represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite successful transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate neurological complications on the outcome of patients with heart transplantation. We retrospectively studied 193 adult patients (aged = 18 years) who underwent heart transplant at Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires from November 2014 to August 2018. We evaluated demographic and clinical vari ables and outcome of patients with and without neurological complications. We included 193 patients with a mean age of 51 ± 12 years of which 74% (n = 143) were men. The two most frequent causes that led to heart transplantation were idiopathic cardiomyopathy in 34% (n = 65) and ischemic cardiomyopathy in 29% (n = 56). Hemodynamic instability was present at the moment of transplant in 92% (n = 176) of the cases. Central neurological complications in the first week post-transplant occurred in 12% (n = 23). The most frequent were: encephalopathy (5%), subdural hematoma (2%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (2%), seizures (2%) and ischemic stroke (1%). Peripheral neuropathy was observed in 4% of cases. Hospital mortality was 11% (n = 22) and 88% (n = 170) was discharged at home. Those who presented central neurological complications had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those who did not (32% vs. 9%, p = 0.002).

Bloodstream infections (BI) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. A retrospective study was performed in two hospitals aimed to evaluate characteristics of BI episodes occurred in adult patients with hematologic (HN) and solid (SN) neoplasia other than non-melanoma skin cancers in the period 2009-2016. A total of 467 episodes of bacteremia and 16 of fungemia were identified. A total of 200 (41.4%) bacteremias occurred in patients with HN and 283 (58.6%) in patients with SN. The most frequent SN and HN were colon cancer (18.7%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (27%), respectively. The main risk factors for BI were a previous surgical procedure in SN and chemotherapy in the previous 30 days and use of central venous catheter in HN. Infections were mainly acquired in the hospital environment and the most frequent presentation was bacteremia without focus, mostly in HN (38% vs. 20.8%, p0.001). Gram negative bacilli (GNB) were isolated in 336 (69.5%) episodes and predominated over Gram positive cocci (GPC) in both groups. Escherichia coli was the most frequent GNB isolated in both SN (24.7%) and HN patients (20.5%). The most frequent GPC was Staphylococcus aureus. Multidrug-resistance was found in 15% of the isolates in SN and 18% in HN. The overall mortality was 40.5% in patients with HN and 37.5% in patients with SN, with the majority of deaths occurring in the first 30 days.Las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo (ITS) son una importante causa de morbimortalidad en pacientes oncológicos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron evaluar las características de las ITS en pacientes con neoplasia hematológica (NH) y sólida (NS) en un estudio retrospectivo realizado en dos hospitales, entre 2009 y 2016. Fueron incluidos todos los episodios de ITS en adultos con neoplasias activas, excepto cáncer de piel no melanoma. Fueron identificados 467 episodios de bacteriemia y 16 de fungemia. Un total de 200 (41.4%) bacteriemias ocurrieron en pacientes con NH y 283 (58.6%) en pacientes con NS. Las NS y NH más frecuentes fueron cáncer de colon (18.7%) y linfoma no Hodgkin (27%), respectivamente. Los principales factores de riesgo de ITS fueron el antecedente de procedimiento quirúrgico para NS y quimioterapia en los 30 días previos y uso de catéter venoso central para NH. Las infecciones fueron adquiridas principalmente en el medio intrahospitalario y la presentación más frecuente fue la bacteriemia sin foco, fundamentalmente en NH (38.0% vs. 20.8%, p0.001). En un total de 336 (69.5%) aislamientos predominaron bacilos Gram negativos (BGN) sobre cocos Gram positivos (CGP) sin diferencias entre grupos. Escherichia coli fue el BGN más frecuente en NS (24.7%) y NH (20.5%). El CGP más frecuente fue Staphylococcus aureus. El 15% y el 18% de los aislamientos fue multirresistente en NS y NH, respectivamente. La mortalidad global fue 40.5% en pacientes con NH y 37.5% en pacientes con NS. La mayoría de las muertes ocurrió en los primeros 30 días.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), among them dabigatran, have a favorable benefit-risk profile compared with warfarin, and no monitoring of the anticoagulant effect is required. However, reversing the anticoagulant effect immediately is very useful in cases of life-threatening bleeding and emergency surgical procedure requirement. Idarucizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment, is currently the only reversal agent of a DOAC available in Argentina. Idarucizumab immediately reverse the effect of dabigatran. We present a series of 8 real-life clinical cases who received idarucizumab to reverse the effect of dabigatran. All of the patients were older than 65 years, were receiving 110 or 150 mg every 12 hours of dabigatran and 7/8 were anticoagulated because of atrial fibrillation. Three had a debatable indication for DOACs and another, a higher dose than recommended. Two required reversal due to emergency surgery, and 6 cases had life-threatening bleeding: three gastrointestinal hemorrhages and three intracranial bleeding (Two had a head trauma). In all cases normalization of surgical hemostasis or control of critical bleeding was observed. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications were observed after antidote administration. Two died within 30 days of administration of idarucizumab, due to causes unrelated to the reversal. None of our patients required administration of a second dose of idarucizumab. Our result is similar to that reported in international literature.

The six-minute walk test has been generally applied in people with pathologies and some studies have proposed models to predict maximum oxygen consumption. Our objective was to elaborate on an equation to predict the maximum oxygen consumption in the six-minute walking test for university students. A hundred and forty people participated in this study. The six-minute walking test was applied and after on a gradual exercise test was performed to determine the maximum oxygen consumption. A multivariate equation was developed and the analysis was done using the SPSS v.22 program (p < 0.05). The predictive model include gender, age, body mass index, distance performed and heart rate recovery (r = 0.83; p < 0.001). The equation fulfilled the assumptions of independence (p = 0.13), normality (p = 0.49) and homoscedasticity (p = 0.64). The Bland-Altman diagram indicated that there were no significant differences between the equation and the measurement of the maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.89), with a confidence interval of 0.054 ml·kg·min-1 (95% CI [-0.72; 0.83]). The equation predicts the maximum oxygen consumption. It is suggested to evaluate university students considering biological and environmental differences between countries.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent chronic liver disease worldwide, with an estimated global prevalence of approximately 25%, that is much higher in patients with overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD is considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. It has a wide spectrum, from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and its complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Most of the affected patients will not evolve to advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Despite this, it has been described that the hepatic disease is the third cause of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver, after cardiovascular and malignant diseases. Among the huge number of patients affected, the main challenge is to identify those who are at risk of developing cirrhosis or its complications and to recognize the diagnostic and treatment options. In this Guideline, endorsed by the Argentine Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the definitions, epidemiological aspects, natural history and a practical approach to possible algorithms to estimate the severity of liver disease in the individual patient are reviewed; in addition to analyzing advances in treatment and proposing recommendations for follow-up. It is important to note that no data on the incidence or prevalence of the disease have been published in the general population of Argentina, and it is encouraged to carry them out.

Aspergillus tracheobronchitis is a rare form of invasive aspergillosis reported exceptionally in the immunocompetent patient. Its diagnosis is difficult, and the treatments proposed so far are of little effectiveness, all of which constitute a real problem for the health team. We present the case of an immunocompetent 28 years old woman, with no epidemiological background, who developed necrotizing tracheobronchitis due to invasive aspergillosis and received voriconazole with local instillation by bronchoscopy with a good response.

The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is, after spirometry the standard and noninvasive pulmonary function test of greater clinical use. However, there are substantial errors in the interpretation of the physiological significance of the DLCO, its derived measures and, therefore the clinical significance of its alterations. In addition to the use of different nomenclatures, other sources of confusion have contributed to some negative view of the test. The technical aspects of the DLCO test have the advantage of being well standardized. But unlike what happens with other pulmonary function tests where we have reference values which allow us to determine their "normality or abnormality", it is difficult to apply this route of analysis in the case of DLCO. The central fact in the analysis of DLCO, transference factor for CO (KCO), and alveolar volume (VA) is that for a correct interpretation it is necessary to think about the mechanism by which the pathology induces change. A KCO of 100% can be considered normal in some circumstances or pathological in others and, for the moment, the automated study report cannot discriminate. This article will address the principles of the DLCO test; present different models of analysis submit concrete examples and provide guidelines for their correct interpretation. It is considered essential to carry out an integrated analysis of the DLCO test in relation to other functional tests and clinical data.La capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLCO) es, después de la espirometría, la prueba de función pulmonar rutinaria y no invasiva de mayor utilidad clínica. No obstante, hay sustanciales errores de interpretación del significado fisiológico de la DLCO, de sus medidas derivadas y por consiguiente del significado clínico de sus alteraciones. Además de la utilización de diferentes nomenclaturas, otras fuentes de confusión han contribuido a cierta visión negativa de la prueba. Los aspectos técnicos de la prueba de DLCO tienen la ventaja de estar estandarizados. Pero a diferencia de lo que ocurre con otras pruebas de función pulmonar donde disponemos de valores de referencia que permiten determinar la "normalidad o anormalidad" de las mismas, es difícil aplicar esta vía de análisis en el caso de la DLCO. El hecho central en el análisis de la DLCO, el factor de transferencia para el CO (KCO), y el volumen alveolar (VA) es que para una correcta interpretación es necesario tener en cuenta el mecanismo por el cual la patología induce el cambio. Un KCO del 100% puede ser considerado normal en unas circunstancias o patológico bajo otras y, por el momento, el informe automatizado del estudio no puede discriminar. Este artículo describirá los principios de la prueba de DLCO, presentará diferentes modelos de análisis, expondrá ejemplos concretos y ofrecerá pautas para su correcta interpretación. Se considera indispensable efectuar un análisis integrado de la prueba de DLCO en relación con otras pruebas funcionales y con los datos clínicos.

Familial chylomicronemia is a disease in which a genetic mutation affects the ability of the organism to metabolize triglycerides bound to lipoproteins, causing extremely high plasma triglycerides and associated consequences. The most frequent complication is acute pancreatitis, which may lead to multiorganic failure or pancreatic insufficiency. Familial chylomicronemia also exerts a profound negative impact on quality of life, social relationships and professional development. The gene most frequently affected is lipoprotein lipase-1 gene (LPL), the enzyme in charge of hydrolyzing circulating triglycerides for tissue uptake. Mutations in other genes regulating maturation, transport or polymerization (eg. APOC2, APOAV, LMF-1, GPIHBP-1) of lipoprotein lipase-1, may also be involved. However, in about 30% of patients the causal variant is not identified. Familial chylomicronemia should be suspected in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia with poor response to conventional treatment, or accompanied by eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis or abdominal pain. The availability of risk scores and genetic tests should facilitate its opportune detection and management. Nutritional therapy is based on a very-low-fat diet with adequate supply of lipid-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, plus avoidance of alcohol consumption. Current pharmacological treatment may include fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids but prioritizes biotechnological agents targeting the molecular disturbances of the disease. These include an antisense oligonucleotide against apoC-III (volanesorsen), a monoclonal antibody against angiopoietin-like protein-3 (evinacumab), and other agents currently in development.

Rapidly progressive dementias are conditions of impairment in more than one cognitive domain with functional compromise that progress in less than 1 to 2 years; and neurosyphilis is one of the etiologies. Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection that causes a series of highly variable clinical conditions during the first 2 to 3 years, followed by a prolonged latent stage that can progress to a tertiary infection stage. After a period of years, or even decades, a third of people with untreated latent syphilis will have clinical manifestations of tertiary syphilis such as neurosyphilis. We present the case of a 41-year-old man who consulted for prostration symptoms, preceded by progressive behavioral cognitive alterations of 18 months of evolution. A dementia picture was found associated with pharmacological parkinsonism secondary to risperidone, so this treatment was suspended. Neuroimaging showed severe cerebral atrophy; serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reactive VDRL, in addition to a slight increase in CSF proteins. The diagnosis of late neurosyphilis was made and treated with crystalline penicillin G 1 400 000 IU every 4 h for 14 days with an excellent response. Our case allows us to reflect on the importance of requesting diagnostic studies of syphilis in young patients who present a rapidly evolving dementia, since this disease has a treatment that can partially or totally reverse the symptoms.

We report the alterations of immunological parameters of a patient with visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum from the Northwest of Argentina during active disease and after achieving clinical recovery. We first demonstrated elevated amounts of IFN-y, IL-10, B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and IgG in plasma during active disease, which returned to control values after recovery. In relation to T cell profile, we measured CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD57 and perforin. We found a highly differentiated phenotype, preferentially in active disease and among CD8+ T cells, consisting in increased numbers of late differentiated and terminal effector cells. Although this highly differentiated CD8+ T cell phenotype persisted after recovery, a clear increase of central memory cells was recorded for both T subsets at that point, suggesting signs of reversion toward a less differentiated profile. The composition of the B cell compartment was slightly modified during active disease. Herein we document the global impact of severe visceral leishmaniasis on immunological parameters, which tend to revert upon clinical recovery, suggesting signs of immune restoration accompanying clinical improvement. The evaluated parameters could eventually be used as biomarkers of clinical evolution of visceral leishmaniasis.

This document aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to estimate the personal protective equipments (PPE), medical devices, and drugs commonly used in the Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic literature review and gray literature assessment was performed, and the evidence was categorized using the GRADE methodology. Then a predictive model was built to support the estimation of resources needed during 30 days of the pandemic. In the development of these recommendations, 33 publications were included, with variable quality of evidence (low to very low quality). They refer to the use of PPE according to the risk of exposure; management and reuse of PPE, and the stock of drugs and medical devices needed for the care of patients with COVID-19. It is important to remark the difficult in estimating and managing the number of essential supplies and equipment required during a pandemic. The model allowed us to predict the resources required to provide critical care during 30 days of pandemic activity. Given the constant evolution of COVID-19, these recommendations might change as evidence evolves.El presente documento tiene como fin proporcionar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para estimar los equipos de proteccion personal (EPP), los dispositivos médicos y los medicamentos comúnmente utilizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura y evaluación de la literatura gris. La evidencia se clasificó utilizando la metodología GRADE. Luego, se construyó un modelo predictivo para apoyar la estimación de recursos durante 30 días de la pandemia. En el desarrollo de estas recomendaciones se incluyeron 33 publicaciones con calidad de evidencia variable (calidad baja a muy baja), acerca del uso de EPP según el riesgo de exposición; manejo y re-uso de EPP, y las necesidades de fármacos y dispositivos médicos para la atención de pacientes con COVID-19. Es destacable lo difícil que resulta estimar y administrar la cantidad de suministros y equipos esenciales necesarios durante una pandemia. El modelo nos permitió predecir los recursos necesarios para proporcionar cuidados críticos durante 30 días de actividad pandémica. Dada la evolución constante de COVID-19, estas recomendaciones pueden cambiar a medida que evolucione la evidencia.

La pandemia por COVID-19 afectó la organización de los servicios de salud y tuvo consecuencias en los equipos de salud, según las condiciones laborales y de bioseguridad pre-existentes en cada institución. Durante la primera semana de abril de 2020 se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. El objetivo fue indagar acerca de las condiciones que determinan el clima organizacional: liderazgo, comunicación, recursos institucionales, cohesión/gestión de conflictos y capacitación; y cómo éstas eran percibidas por el personal de salud para hacer frente a la pandemia. Se realizaron 5670 encuestas a trabajadores/as y 50 entrevistas a informantes clave de los tres subsectores del sistema de salud (público, privado y de seguridad social). En las encuestas, el 72.9% fueron mujeres, el 51.4% médicos/as y el grupo etario predominante fue el de menores de 40 años. El 47.8% de los/as participantes refirió pluriempleo. En las entrevistas, el 52% fueron varones, el 60% médicos/ as, la edad media 44.8 años. Se estratificaron las dimensiones y se identificaron predictores independientes de percepción: edad, género, tipo de tareas, subsector y jurisdicción. La dimensión percibida con mayor frecuencia como inadecuada fue la de recursos institucionales y la disponibilidad de equipos de protección personal fue identificada como una de las principales preocupaciones. Surgieron demandas de estrategias de contención para el personal de salud y de comunicación institucional clara y uniforme. En conclusión, al momento del estudio el personal de salud percibía serios déficits en sus organizaciones respecto de las condiciones necesarias para enfrentar la pandemia, con diferencias entre subsectores del sistema. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the organization of health services and had consequences for health teams, according to the pre-existing safety and working conditions. During the first week of April 2020, a cross sectional study was carried out with a qualitative-quantitative approach. The aim was to explore the conditions determining the organizational climate: leadership, communication, institutional resources, cohesion/conflict management, and training; and how these were perceived by health personnel to deal with the pandemic. A total of 5670 healthcare workers participated in an online survey and 50 were interviewed, from all subsectors of the Argentinean health system (public, private and union-health insurance); 72.9% were women, 51.4% were physicians, and the predominant age group was under 40 years. In the qualitative sample (interviews), 52% were men, 62% were physicians, and the average age was 44.8 years. The dimensions of the organizational climate were stratified and five independent predictors of perception of conditions were identified: age, gender, tasks performed, health system subsector, and jurisdiction. The condition most frequently perceived as inadequate were the inaccessibility of institutional resources and the access to personal protective equipment was a major concern. Claims included the need of institutional strategies to support healthcare workers and of a clear and uniform communication. In conclusion, at the time of the study, the health personnel perceived serious deficits in their organizations regarding the conditions necessary to confront COVID-19, with differences among subsectors of the health system. Fil: Ortiz, Zulma. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas; Argentina Fil: Antonietti, Laura. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud. Hospital Alta Complejidad en Red El Cruce Dr. Néstor Carlos Kirchner Samic; Argentina. Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche; Argentina Fil: Capriati, Alejandro Jose. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Instituto de Investigaciones "Gino Germani"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Ramos, Silvina. Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad; Argentina Fil: Romero, Mariana. Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad; Argentina Fil: Mariani, Javier. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud. Hospital Alta Complejidad en Red El Cruce Dr. Néstor Carlos Kirchner Samic; Argentina. Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche; Argentina Fil: Ortiz, Fabián. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas; Argentina Fil: Pecheny, Mario Martín. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Instituto de Investigaciones "Gino Germani"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Forecasting the extent of the domestic health risk of epidemics by mathematical modeling is a useful tool for evaluating the feasibility of policies for controlling outbreaks. The objective of this study was to develop a time-dependent dynamic simulation model to forecast the COVID-19 autumn-winter outbreak in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, and to assess the effect of social distancing on epidemic spread. The model used was the "Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered" framework which incorporated appropriate compartments relevant to interventions such as quarantine, isolation and treatment. In a low-intervention scenario including only 2-week isolation for international travelers and their contacts, the model estimated a maximum peak of nearly 90 000 symptomatic cases for early May. For an intervention scenario with mandatory quarantine during a 5-month period, the curve of cases flattened and receded as the proportion of quarantined individuals increased. The maximum peak was expected to appear between May 8 and Jul 8 depending on the quarantine strategy, and the average number of infectious symptomatic cases were 46 840, 30 494, 23 164, 16 179, and 13 196 when 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of the population remained in a 5-month-term continuous quarantine, respectively. Only mandatory quarantine was able to delay the maximum peak of infection and significantly reduce the total number of infected individuals and deaths at a 150-day term. The interruption of the quarantine before 120 days of its beginning could generate an even more serious outbreak 30 days later, and surpass the scarce medical resources available for the intensive care of critically-ill patients.

The second part of the Inter-Society Argentine Consensus on Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) includes the analysis of special situations. In patients with urinary catheter, urine culture should be requested only in the presence of UTI symptomatology, before instrumentation of the urinary tract, or as a post-transplant control. The antibiotics recommended for empirical treatment in patients without risk factors are third-generation cephalosporins or aminoglycosides. UTIs associated with stones are always considered complicated. In case of obstruction with urosepsis, an emergency drainage should be performed via a percutaneous nefrostomy or ureteral stenting. In patients with stents or ureteral prostheses, such as double J catheters, empirical treatment should be based on epidemiology, prior antibiotics, and clinical status. Before the extracorporeal lithotripsy procedure, bacteriuria should be investigated and antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered in case of positive result, according to the antibiogram. First generation cephalosporins or aminoglycosides are valid alternatives. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis with first-generation cephalosporins or aminoglycosides before percutaneous nephrolithotomy is recommended. Transrectal prostatic biopsy can be associated with infectious complications, such as UTI or acute prostatitis, mainly due to Escherichia coli or other enterobacteria. In patients without risk factors for multiresistant bacteria and negative urine culture, prophylaxis with intravenous amikacin or ceftriaxone is recommended. In patients with positive urine culture, prophylaxis will be performed according to the antibiogram, from 24 hours before to 24 hours post-procedure. For the targeted treatment of post-transrectal biopsy prostatitis, carbapenems for 3-4 weeks are the treatment of choice.

Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare presentation of melanoma with a different clinical behavior compared to other histological variants. Its diagnosis in early stages is a challenge due to its variable clinical presentation, with a predominant dermal component and the frequent absence of pigment. Its histology is divided into pure and mixed type, and this classification has important prognostic implications. The average Breslow thickness at diagnosis is higher than in other melanoma variants. However, the tendency to lymph node metastasis is low.

The first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in Argentina was reported in Buenos Aires on March 3rd, 2020, in a patient who arrived from Milan. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and course of illness of patients infected with Covid-19 that were hospitalized in a private clinical setting during March 2020. Sixty three patients suspected of COVID-19 infection, were admitted to our hospital during March 2020. Twenty six of these subjects were diagnosed positive by the RT-PCR for SARS Cov-2 in a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. We recorded data about epidemiological characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, in addition to comorbidities, laboratory and radiological studies were done. The median age was 40 years (SD ± 15 years); there was an equal number of men and women; all the patients but one were coming from abroad; the most common symptom was fever (24/26 cases) and lymphopenia (n = 8). We found that there were patients in whom fever disappeared within the first 72h (n = 17) and another group in which the fever lasted six or more days (n = 7). One patient out of 26 died. The population of our study was young and almost all were imported cases, in alinement with the stage of the epidemic at the time when the study was conducted. We observed that there were two patterns in the fever curve but the persistence of it did not lead to a worse prognosis. Larger population studies are required in order to confirm these clinical findings.El primer caso de infección por coronavirus (COVID-19) en Argentina se informó en Buenos Aires el 3 de marzo de 2020, en un paciente proveniente de Milán. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características clínicas y curso de la enfermedad de una serie de pacientes infectados con COVID-19 en un sanatorio privado durante el mes de marzo del 2020. Durante marzo 2020 se internaron 63 pacientes sospechosos de infección por COVID-19. Fueron diagnosticados 26 positivos para COVID-19 por hisopado nasofaríngeo, con el método RT-PCR para SARS Cov2. Se recopilaron datos sobre las características epidemiológicas, signos y síntomas, así como comorbilidades, laboratorio e imágenes. La edad promedio fue 40 años (SD ± 15 años); hubo un igual número de varones; solo 1 caso no venía del exterior. El síntoma más frecuente fue la fiebre (24/26 casos) y la linfopenia (8/26). En un grupo (n = 17) la fiebre se limitó dentro de las primeras 72 h y en otro, la fiebre duró 6 o más días (7 casos). Hubo un fallecido entre los 26 casos. La población de nuestro estudio era joven y la mayoría de los casos fueron importados, en concordancia con el estadio de la epidemia en el momento en que el estudio fue realizado. Observamos que hubo 2 patrones en la curva térmica pero la persistencia de la fiebre no implicó un peor pronóstico. Se necesitan estudios poblacionales más grandes para confirmar estos hallazgos clínicos.

Social vulnerability has proved to be an independent risk factor for hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. In some countries, patients who are in a vulnerable situation are assisted in the public health system which provides free medical care. This study compares the prevalence of hypoglycemia among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), in public versus private sector and its relationship with social vulnerability. This multicentric descriptive study included 600 patients with T2D from public and private care institutions of Argentina. Socioeconomic level (SEL) was evaluated through the Marketing Argentinean Association survey. Number of severe, documented symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemias were registered. Among the patients included, 66% were assisted in the public sector. The 41% of patients (n = 246) registered at least 1 episode of any hypoglycemia event being more prevalent in the public sector compared to the private sector (50% vs. 22%). In the adjusted analysis it was observed a greater risk of hypoglycemia in public sector (OR 4, 95% CI 2.65-6.04) and in patients that did not have diabetological education (OR 2.28 95% CI 1.35-3.84). Similarly, unemployment (OR 5.04 95% CI 2.69-9.46), and marginal SEL (OR 60.79 95% CI 14.89-248.13) increased the risk of hypoglycemia. Several factors related to social vulnerability as unemployment, marginal SEL and poor sanitary education showed a significant increase in the hypoglycemia risk. Professionals working with people with diabetes must take into account these factors for a safe treatment of the disease. La vulnerabilidad social ha demostrado ser un factor de riesgo independiente de hipoglucemia en pacientes con diabetes. Los pacientes que se encuentran en situación de vulnerabilidad social reciben asistencia en el sistema de salud pública que brinda atención médica gratuita. Este estudio compara la prevalencia de hipoglucemia en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en el sector público frente al privado y su relación con la vulnerabilidad social. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico descriptivo que incluyó 600 pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de instituciones de atención pública y privada de Córdoba. El nivel socioeconómico se evaluó a través de la encuesta de la Asociación Argentina de Marketing que evalúa la dimensión social, educativa y económica para estratificar el nivel socioeconómico. Se registró el número de hipoglucemias graves, documentadas sintomáticas y asintomáticas. El 66% de los pacientes pertenecían al sector público. El 41% de los pacientes (n = 246) registró al menos 1 episodio de cualquier evento de hipoglucemia. En el análisis ajustado, se observó un mayor riesgo de hipoglucemia en el sector público (OR 4, 95% CI 2.65-6.04), en pacientes que no tenían educación diabetológica previa (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.35-3.84), en desempleados (OR 5.04, 95% CI 2.69-9.46) y en aquellos con nivel socioeconómico marginal (OR 60.79 95% CI 14.89-248.13). Factores relacionados con la vulnerabilidad social como el desempleo, el nivel socioeconómico marginal y educación sanitaria deficiente mostraron un aumento en el riesgo de hipoglucemia. Los profesionales que trabajan con personas con diabetes deben tener en cuenta estos factores para un tratamiento seguro de la enfermedad.

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its diagnosis, risk stratification and early treatment are essential. The mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation. In patients with low cardiovascular risk, the prognosis is excellent and the treatment consists only of the administration of anticoagulants. Due to the poor prognosis of patients with high risk (hemodynamic decompensation), the approach is more aggressive using systemic thrombolytics, which reduce mortality but increase the risk of major hemorrhagic complications. In the intermediate-risk patients (evidence of right ventricular failure, without hemodynamic decompensation), the risk-benefit relationship of thrombolytic treatment is more balanced, so the choice is controversial. Mechanical fragmentation with catheter-directed thrombolysis is an alternative with potential benefits. We present two cases of intermediate-risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism to whom mechanical fragmentation and catheter-directed thrombolysis was applied.

Optic neuromyelitis spectrum diseases are inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system characterized by severe demyelination and immunomediated axonal damage that mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. They usually appear at an early age, although there are some reports in the literature of patients with late presentations. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman who consulted for severe paraparesis, sensory disorders, and urinary retention. An MRI of the cervicodorsal spine was performed, showing extensive longitudinal spinal injury. Secondary causes based on clinical observations and laboratory studies were ruled out. The dosage of anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies was positive. Acute treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids and plasmapheresis was indicated, and maintenance with rituximab, obtaining little clinical response. In patients with extensive spinal injuries, multiple differential diagnoses should be considered according to the clinical presentation, findings through imaging studies and epidemiology. Likewise, it should include the search for anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies and against the oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, since the functional prognosis of these patients is usually unfavourable due to the large destructive component of the lesions. Consequently, early treatment is essential in order to limit acute damage and prevent future relapses, which is especially important in late presentations of this entity due to the low functional reserve and low remyelination capacity.

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a wide number of compounds are under scrutiny regarding their antiviral activity, one of them being hydroxychloroquine. Cardiac aspects of the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are reviewed in this manuscript. A non-systematic review of the medical literature was performed. Information about their safety and efficacy as antimalarials, antivirals, as well as in the long-term treatment of rheumatic diseases was collected. We found an anti-inflammatory effect with reduction of longterm cardiovascular events, a very infrequent heart disease due to a lysosomal effect of the drug, and at the hemodynamic level hypotension, tachycardia, and QT interval prolongation, exacerbated when combined with azithromycin. However, the rate of adverse cardiac events of hydroxychloroquine (and chloroquine) was low.Ante la pandemia de COVID-19 (del inglés coronavirus disease 2019), uno de los fármacos propuesto para su tratamiento es la hidroxicloroquina. Se revisan aquí aspectos cardiológicos del uso de cloroquina e hidroxicloroquina. Se realizó una revisión no sistemática en la literatura médica orientada a la búsqueda de información acerca de su seguridad y eficacia como antimaláricos y antivirales, así como en el tratamiento prolongado de enfermedades reumatológicas. Se halló un efecto antiinflamatorio con reducción de eventos cardiovasculares a largo plazo, una cardiopatía muy infrecuente por un efecto lisosomal del fármaco, y a nivel hemodinámico hipotensión, taquicardia, y prolongación del intervalo QT, exacerbado si se combina con azitromicina. Sin embargo, la tasa de eventos adversos cardíacos de la hidroxicloroquina y la cloroquina fue baja.

Discrepancies between clinical suspicion and pathological findings in pulmonary embolism (PE) appear to be frequent. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of PE in a necropsy series of patients who have died in an acute care hospital between 1998-2017, its relationship with previous clinical suspicion, and its importance as a cause of death. It is a retrospective observational study of 350 autopsies done at the Department of Pathology. We analyzed the demographic characteristics, main clinical diagnoses stated in the autopsy request form, incidence of PE diagnosed, main autopsy findings related with the cause of death, as well as the concordance between clinical suspicion and autopsy diagnosis. In only 8% of the cases (n = 28) the clinical diagnosis of autopsy request was PE. An autopsy diagnosis of PE was done in 127 cases (36.3%); in 33 cases (25.9%) affected large pulmonary vessels; medium caliber vessels were affected in 75 cases (59.1%), and in 19 cases small vessels. The PE was considered as a contributor or cause of death in 30.9% (n = 108). However, only 15.7% of the confirmed PE cases had previous clinical suspicion. This series of necropsies shows that PE is a high prevalence finding in autopsies at an acute care hospital, and an important cause of death in a 20 years period. The finding of a low concordance with clinical diagnosis should alert the medical community on the importance of clinical suspicion in order to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

In April 2019, UNICEF denounced that more than 20 million children worldwide had not been vaccinated and alerted on possible outbreaks of measles which, due to the high transmissibility of this virus, is the first disease preventable by vaccination to emerge. If the decline in vaccinations continues, pertussis, tetanus and other diseases, which require less coverage to achieve population protection, may also reappear. In Argentina, the current outbreak began in late August 2019. Measles virus is transmitted by air, infects multiple organs, and is associated with immunosuppression. Its genome consists of single stranded RNA. Genotyping is carried out by sequencing a 450-nucleotide fragment of the N protein, which contains the highest density of nucleotide variation. In South America, D8 is the circulating genotype and in North America, B3 accounts for 8% of the cases. Each person with measles infects, on average, another 12-18 people in a susceptible population. Vaccination confers direct and indirect protection, and induces both antibodies and cellular immunity. Newborns are protected by maternal antibodies transmitted via the placenta, up to 6 months. In Argentina, the Vaccination Calendar includes two doses of triple viral vaccine, at 12 months and 5 years, and a zero dose (6-11 months of age) in districts with disease cases. The protection conferred by the vaccine is 93% at 12 months with a dose, and with 2 doses 97% for life.