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Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El lactato y su evolucion se asocian con el pronostico de los pacientes en shock, si bien es escasa la evidencia en aquellos asistidos con oxigenador extracorporeo de membrana venoarterial (ECMO-VA). Nuestro objetivo es evaluar su valor pronostico en shock cardiogenico asistido con ECMO-VA. Metodos Estudio de pacientes tratados con ECMO-VA por shock cardiogenico de indicacion medica entre julio de 2013 y abril de 2021. Se calculo el aclaramiento de lactato: (lactato inicial − lactato 6 h) / lactato inicial × tiempo exacto entre ambas determinaciones. Resultados De 121 pacientes, 44 (36,4%) tenian infarto agudo de miocardio; 42 (34,7%), implante intraparada; 14 (11,6%), tromboembolia pulmonar, 14 (11,6%), tormenta arritmica y 6 (5,0%), miocarditis fulminante. A los 30 dias habian fallecido 60 pacientes (49,6%); la mortalidad fue mayor con el implante intraparada que con el implante en circulacion espontanea (30 [71,4%] de 42 frente a 30 [38,0%] de 79; p = 0,030). Se asociaron de manera independiente con la mortalidad a 30 dias la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) antes del implante y el lactato (tanto basal como a las 6 h y el aclaramiento). Los modelos de regresion que incluian el lactato presentaron mejor capacidad predictiva de la supervivencia que las puntuaciones ENCOURAGE y ECMO-ACCEPTS, con mayor area bajo la curva ROC en el modelo con lactato a las 6 h. Conclusiones El lactato (basal y a las 6 h y el aclaramiento) es un predictor independiente para el pronostico de los pacientes en shock cardiogenico asistidos con ECMO-VA que facilita una mejor estratificacion del riesgo y tiene una capacidad predictiva superior.

BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has significant implications for prognosis, management, and genetic counseling. OBJECTIVE To describe diagnostic testing patterns and assess diagnostic concordance of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence mapping (IFM), and genetic analysis for EB. METHODS A retrospective cohort included patients enrolled in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Characterization and Outcomes Database from January 1, 2004, to July 8, 2019. Tests concluding the same EB type (EB simplex, junctional EB, dominant dystrophic EB, and recessive dystrophic EB) were considered concordant; those concluding different EB types were considered discordant; and those with nonspecific/nondefinitive results were equivocal. RESULTS A total of 970 diagnostic tests were conducted from 1984 to 2018 in 771 patients. Genetic analyses were performed chronologically later than IFM or TEM (P

La alogenosis iatrogénica es la enfermedad causada por la aplicación de biopolímeros con fines estéticos. Sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden presentarse entre las seis horas y los 30 años posteriores a la aplicación, con síntomas locales o sistémicos. El principal rasgo de la histopatología es la presencia de granulomas por cuerpo extraño con reacción de tipo sarcoideo, la cual es difícil de interpretar por su asociación con la sarcoidosis. Se reporta aquí el caso de una paciente con lesiones granulomatosas de tipo sarcoideo por reacción a cuerpo extraño, secundaria a la aplicación de múltiples sustancias desconocidas en cara y glúteos.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Se desconoce si los pacientes jovenes con estenosis aortica grave tienen una esperanza de vida restaurada tras el reemplazo de la valvula aortica (RVAo). Metodos Se incluyo a todos los pacientes entre 50 y 65 anos sometidos a RVAo en 27 centros espanoles durante 18 anos. Se comparo la supervivencia observada y la esperada a los 15 anos de seguimiento. Se repitieron todos los analisis con los pacientes sin complicaciones durante el posoperatorio inmediato. Resultados Se analizo a 5.084 pacientes. En la muestra total, la supervivencia observada a los 10 y los 15 anos fue del 85,3% (IC95%, 84,1-86,4%) y el 73,7% (IC95%, 71,6-75,6%). Las supervivencias esperadas fueron del 90,1 y el 82,1%. La supervivencia relativa acumulada a 1, 5, 10 y 15 anos de seguimiento fue del 97,4% (IC95%, 96,9-97,9%), el 96,5% (IC95%, 95,7-97,3%), el 94,7% (IC95%, 93,3-95,9%) y el 89,8% (IC95%, 87,3-92,1%). Para los pacientes sin complicaciones, la supervivencia relativa acumulada a 1, 5, 10 y 15 anos fue del 100,3% (IC95%, 99,8-100,5%), el 98,9% (IC95% 97,6-99,9%), el 97,3% (IC95%, 94,9-99,4%) y el 91,9% (IC95%, 86,5-96,8%). Conclusiones La esperanza de vida de los pacientes jovenes con estenosis aortica grave intervenidos para RVAo es menor que la de la poblacion general. La esperanza de vida de los pacientes sin complicaciones durante el posoperatorio inmediato tambien esta reducida. Por lo tanto, las caracteristicas basales probablemente sean los principales factores que explican la reduccion de la esperanza de vida.

Introduction and objectives: In young patients with severe aortic stenosis, it is unknown whether their life expectancy restored after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is unknown. Methods: We analyzed all patients aged between 50 and 65 years who underwent isolated AVR in 27 Spanish centers during an 18-year period. We compared observed and expected survival at 15 years of follow-up. We repeated all analyses for patients without complications in the postoperative period. Results: A total of 5084 patients were analyzed. For the overall sample, observed survival at 10 and 15 years was 85.3% (95%CI, 84.1%-86.4%) and 73.7% (95%CI, 71.6%-75.6%), respectively. Expected survival was 90.1% and 82.1%. Cumulative relative survival for 1, 5, 10 and 15 years of follow-up was 97.4% (95%CI, 96.9%-97.9%), 96.5% (95%CI, 95.7%-97.3%), 94.7% (95%CI, 93.3%-95.9%), and 89.8% (95%CI, 87.3%-92.1%). For patients without complications, cumulative relative survival for 1, 5, 10 and 15 years was 100.3% (95%CI, 99.8%-100.5%), 98.9% (95%CI 97.6% -99.9%), 97.3% (95%CI, 94.9%-99.4%), and 91.9% (95%CI, 86.5%-96.8%). Conclusion: Life expectancy in young patients who have severe aortic stenosis and undergo AVR is lower than that of the general population. Life expectancy of individuals without complications during the postoperative period is also reduced. Therefore, baseline characteristics are likely the main factors that explain the reduction in life expectancy. (C) 2021 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Background: To date, there are only sporadic reports of acute abdomen and appendicitis in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Methods: Children 17 years of age or younger assessed in 5 Latin American countries with a diagnosis of microbiologically confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and children fulfilling MIS-C definition were included. For children with acute abdomen, we investigate main radiologic patterns, surgical treatment and intraoperative findings, outcomes. Findings: One-thousand ten children were enrolled. Forty-two children (4.2%) had a clinical diagnosis of acute abdomen. Four (9.5%) were diagnosed with MIS-C and did not undergo surgery. The remaining 38 children (3.8%) underwent abdominal surgery due to suspected appendicitis, 34 of them (89.7%) had an intraoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA), while 4 of them had nonsurgical findings. Eight children died (0.8%), none of them being diagnosed with appendicitis. Children with AA were significantly older than those without (P < 0.0001). Children with complicated appendicitis had more frequently fever (85.7% vs. 60%), intestinal distension on the abdominal radiograph (7.1% vs. none), leukocytosis (85.7% vs. 40%) and high levels of C-reactive protein (35.7% vs. 5%), although differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study showed that children may present with acute abdomen during COVID-19 or MIS-C, which is not always associated with intraoperative findings of appendicitis, particularly in case of MIS-C. Further studies are needed to better characterize children with acute abdomen during COVID-19 or MIS-C, to avoid delay in diagnosis of surgical conditions and at the same time, minimize unnecessary surgical approaches.

Resumen Introduccion La enfermedad COVID-19 se ha convertido en una prioridad para nuestro sistema sanitario. Los MIR de Endocrinologia y Nutricion (MIR-EyN) se han integrado en los equipos COVID-19. Se ha disenado este estudio con el objetivo de analizar el impacto a nivel formativo, laboral y en la salud de los MIR-EyN. Material y metodos Estudio observacional transversal tipo encuesta via web, dirigida a los MIR-EyN socios de la SEEN, realizado en noviembre de 2020. Se han analizado: variables demograficas, tamano del hospital de formacion en numero de camas, alteracion de las rotaciones, integracion en equipos COVID-19, participacion en teleconsulta, actividad cientifica e impacto sobre la salud fisica y emocional. Resultados Se han obtenido 87 respuestas (27% de los MIR-EyN); 67,8% mujeres, edad media 28,1 ± 1,8 anos, 60% MIR-EyN 4.o ano. El 84% ha participado en equipos COVID-19 y el 93% en las consultas telematicas de su servicio. La mayoria ha visto interrumpidas sus rotaciones. El 97,7% ha participado en reuniones cientificas o congresos virtuales y un tercio de ellos ha colaborado en trabajos cientificos sobre la COVID-19 en relacion con la Endocrinologia y Nutricion. La pandemia ha afectado a su estado de animo mucho o bastante (75,8%) y opinan que ha impactado de forma negativa a su formacion (73,8%). Conclusiones La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 ha comprometido la formacion, la actividad laboral y la salud de los MIR-EyN. Se han integrado tanto en equipos COVID-19 como en la actividad reestructurada de sus servicios. Sin embargo, han conseguido mantener la formacion en formato virtual y participado en trabajos cientificos.

There is currently a degree of divergence among the main clinical practice guidelines on the management of risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This project aims to gain understanding of the management of PAD risk factors in clinical practice and to reach a multidisciplinary consensus on the strategies to be followed in order to optimize its identification, treatment, and follow-up.A multidisciplinary consensus following the Delphi methodology.Professionals (n = 130) with extensive experience in PAD participated in this consultation. The results suggest that in order to optimize the control of risk factors, efforts should be aimed at: (1) promoting the involvement and awareness of all specialists in the identification of and screening for the disease; (2) guaranteeing the possibility of evaluating the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in all the medical specialties involved; (3) promoting strategies for patients to quit smoking through the use of drugs, programs, or referrals to specialized units; (4) promoting an appropriate Mediterranean-based diet and the prescription of daily exercise; (5) raising awareness of the importance of ensuring LDL cholesterol values below 70 mg/dL, especially in symptomatic but also in asymptomatic patients (55 mg/dL following the publication of the ESC/EAS guide); (6) recommending the use of antiplatelet therapy in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or a pathological ABI; and (7) protocolizing the annual evaluation of ABI in high-risk patients.This document presents the 22 agreed-upon strategies which are intended to help professionals optimize multidisciplinary management of PAD risk factors.

Background: With recent technological advancement, new and improved endoscopic instruments and laser devices have catapulted flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) to the forefront, hence making retrograde i...

Background During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, shortages of ventilators and ICU beds overwhelmed health-care systems. Whether early tracheostomy reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay is controversial. Research Question Can failure-free day outcomes focused on ICU resources help to decide the optimal timing of tracheostomy in overburdened health-care systems during viral epidemics? Study Design and Methods This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who had undergone tracheostomy in 15 Spanish ICUs during the surge, when ICU occupancy modified clinician criteria to perform tracheostomy in Patients with COVID-19. We compared ventilator-free days at 28 and 60 days and ICU- and hospital bed-free days at 28 and 60 days in propensity score-matched cohorts who underwent tracheostomy at different timings (≤ 7 days, 8-10 days, and 11-14 days after intubation). Results Of 1,939 patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia, 682 (35.2%) underwent tracheostomy, 382 (56%) within 14 days. Earlier tracheostomy was associated with more ventilator-free days at 28 days (≤ 7 days vs > 7 days [116 patients included in the analysis]: median, 9 days [interquartile range (IQR), 0-15 days] vs 3 days [IQR, 0-7 days]; difference between groups, 4.5 days; 95% CI, 2.3-6.7 days; 8-10 days vs > 10 days [222 patients analyzed]: 6 days [IQR, 0-10 days] vs 0 days [IQR, 0-6 days]; difference, 3.1 days; 95% CI, 1.7-4.5 days; 11-14 days vs > 14 days [318 patients analyzed]: 4 days [IQR, 0-9 days] vs 0 days [IQR, 0-2 days]; difference, 3 days; 95% CI, 2.1-3.9 days). Except hospital bed-free days at 28 days, all other end points were better with early tracheostomy. Interpretation Optimal timing of tracheostomy may improve patient outcomes and may alleviate ICU capacity strain during the COVID-19 pandemic without increasing mortality. Tracheostomy within the first work on a ventilator in particular may improve ICU availability.

El asma bronquial es la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en la infancia. Sin embargo en Chile existe un importante subdiagnóstico. Es fundamental estar atentos a los síntomas y signos que nos hacen sospechar el diagnóstico para iniciar un tratamiento oportuno, que asegure un buen control de la enfermedad. Debemos sospechar asma en todo escolar que presente cuadros repetidos de obstrucción bronquial. El diagnóstico debe confirmarse con pruebas de función pulmonar que demuestren obstrucción variable al flujo aéreo y respuesta broncodilatadora positiva. El tratamiento se basa en dos pilares fundamentales: la educación y el tratamiento farmacológico. Las actividades educativas deben incluir contenidos acerca de la enfermedad y su tratamiento, se debe monitorizar constantemente la adherencia al tratamiento de mantención, enseñar la técnica inhalatoria correcta y revisar en cada control, entregar un plan de acción escrito personalizado frente al inicio de una crisis y realizar controles médicos periódicos. Con respecto al tratamiento farmacológico, el estándar de oro es el uso de corticoides inhalados permanentes, en la mínima dosis posible que logre el control de la enfermedad. El objetivo del tratamiento es la supresión de los síntomas diarios y de las crisis. El tratamiento se irá incrementando en la medida que no haya una respuesta adecuada, pero antes de aquello se debe evaluar la adherencia al tratamiento de mantención, la técnica inhalatoria, presencia de comorbilidades asociadas y exposición ambiental. En el paciente leve, que esté sin tratamiento permanente, el rescate debe realizarse con broncodilatadores asociados siempre a un corticoide inhalado. Este consenso es una guía de apoyo para mejorar el diagnóstico oportuno, tratamiento y control del asma en el escolar.

Aim: This study aims to assess rates of antibiotic prescriptions and its determinants in in children with COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C). Methods: Children

This is a multicenter prospective observational study which included a large cohort (n = 397) of allogeneic (allo-HSCT) (n = 311) and autologous (ASCT) hematopoietic stem cell transplant (n = 86) recipients who were monitored for antibody detection within 3 to 6 weeks after complete SARS-CoV-2 vaccination from February 1st 2021 to July 20th 2021. Most patients (n = 387, 97.4%) received mRNA-based vaccines. Most of recipients (93%) were vaccinated more than 1 year after transplant. Detectable SARS-CoV-2-reactive antibodies were observed in 242 (78%) of allo-HSCT and in 73 (85%) of ASCT recipients. Multivariate analysis in allo-HSCT recipients identified lymphopenia

Resumen Objetivo Analizar las diferencias en el perfil cardiometabolico de los pacientes con hiperaldosteronismo primario (HAP) y secrecion autonoma de cortisol (SAC), emparejados por edad y sexo. Metodos Estudio de casos y controles; casos de HAP sin SAC asociada y como controles, pacientes con SAC (test de supresion de dexametasona ≥ 1.8 μg/dL en ausencia de datos especificos de hipercortisolismo), emparejados por edad y sexo. Se analizaron las comorbilidades HTA, diabetes, obesidad, dislipemia, insuficiencia renal cronica y eventos cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, asi como su grado de control. Resultados Se incluyeron 57 pacientes con HAP y 57 con SAC. Al diagnostico, aparte de una mayor prevalencia de HTA en los pacientes con HAP (100 vs. 52,7%, p Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 2,25 anos, los pacientes con HAP presentaron un mayor deterioro de la funcion renal (descenso medio del filtrado glomerular [MDRD-4] -17,4 [3] vs. -2,3 [4,4] mL/min/1,73 m2, p = 0,005) y del perfil lipidico (Δtrigliceridos de 34,5 [15,8] vs. -6,7 [11,3] mg/dL, p = 0,038) que los SAC. Conclusiones A pesar la mayor prevalencia de HTA en los pacientes con HAP que con SAC, emparejados por edad y sexo, no se detectaron diferencias en la prevalencia de otras comorbilidades cardiometabolicas. No obstante, los HAP presentaron un mayor deterioro de la funcion renal y del perfil lipidico a lo largo del seguimiento que el grupo de SAC.

La activación de BIM es esencial para la apoptosis desencadenada por el inhibidor de la tirosina quinasa (TKI) del receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico (EGFR) en el cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas (CPCNP) con mutación de EGFR. Una deleción en el intrón dos del gen BIM da como resultado la generación de isoformas empalmadas alternativamente que alteran su respuesta apoptótica a los TKI, lo que confiere a las células de NSCLC una resistencia intrínseca a estos medicamentos. Los pacientes con ambas alteraciones tienen mala evolución clínica. El estudio actual tuvo como objetivo investigar la eficacia clínica y la tolerabilidad de EGFR-TKI más bevacizumab (Bev) versus EGFR-TKI solos como tratamiento de primera línea en pacientes con NSCLC avanzado con mutaciones de EGFR y deleciones BIM (BIMdel). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo. BIMdel se detectó mediante análisis de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y secuenciación directa de ADN. La expresión de la proteína BIM se investigó mediante inmunohistoquímica y los niveles de ARNm de BIM mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. Se compararon las características clínicas, la supervivencia general, la supervivencia libre de progresión (PFS), la tasa de respuesta general (ORR) y los eventos adversos relacionados con el tratamiento entre ambos grupos. RESULTADOS Se incluyeron 33 pacientes; 15 recibieron EGFR-TKI y 18 recibieron EGFR-TKI más Bev. La mediana de edad fue de 63 años, con una mayoría de pacientes mujeres reclutadas. Todos los individuos incluidos tenían una puntuación de rendimiento del Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Este de 2 o menos. La adición de Bev resultó en un ORR significativamente más alto (94,4 % versus 40 %, P > 0,001). La mediana de SLP fue más larga con el uso de la terapia combinada (11,12 frente a 7,87 meses; P = 0,001). La mediana de supervivencia general tendió a ser más prolongada en los inhibidores de la tirosina quinasa con EGFR más Bev (30,9 frente a 25,4 meses; P = 0,06), pero no alcanzó significación estadística. La respuesta en términos de PFS parcial y completa, así como en general, se vio afectada favorablemente. CONCLUSIÓN Los EGFR-TKI más Bev confirieron una ORR y una SLP significativamente más altas en pacientes con NSCLC avanzado con mutación de EGFR y BIMdel. Se necesitan más estudios prospectivos para validar estos hallazgos. BIM activation is essential for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)–triggered apoptosis in EGFR-mutant non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A deletion in the intron two of the BIM gene results in generation of alternatively spliced isoforms that impairs their apoptotic response to TKIs, conferring the NSCLC cells intrinsic resistance to these medications. Patients with both alterations have poor clinical evolution. The current study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of EGFR-TKIs plus bevacizumab (Bev) versus EGFR-TKIs alone as first-line treatment in advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations and BIM deletions (BIMdel). MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted. BIMdel was detected using polymerase chain reaction analysis and direct sequencing of DNA. BIM protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry, and BIM mRNA levels by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Clinical characteristics, overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and treatment-related adverse events were compared between both groups. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were included; 15 received EGFR-TKIs, and 18 received EGFR-TKIs plus Bev. The median age was 63 years, with a majority of recruited female patients. All included individuals had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 2 or less. The addition of Bev resulted in a significantly higher ORR (94.4% v 40%, P > .001). Median PFS was longer with the use of the combination therapy (11.12 v 7.87 months; P = .001). Median overall survival tended to be longer in the EGFR-TKIs plus Bev (30.9 v 25.4 months; P = .06) but failed to reach statistical significance. Response in terms of both partial and complete as well as overall favorably affected PFS. CONCLUSION EGFR-TKIs plus Bev conferred a significantly higher ORR and PFS in advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation and BIMdel. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

BACKGROUND Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is commonly used to treat peritoneal surface malignancies. We aimed to identify risk factors of intraoperative patient hyperthermia and the postoperative outcome of adults undergoing HIPEC PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, IRB approved, single center cohort study was conducted. Adults treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC between 2006 and 2021 were included. The primary outcome was bladder hyperthermia during perfusion, stratified by severity and duration. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and recurrence-free (RFS) and overall (OS) survival. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to estimate the effects of important covariates. RESULTS Out of 214 patients, 114 had mild hyperthermia (≥ 38 °C) at any time, and in 73 of these it lasted for ≥ 30 min. Independent prognostic factors of mild hyperthermia ≥ 30 min were age (OR = 0.958, 95% CI 0.933-0.984), body mas index (BMI; OR = 0.959 95% CI 0.917-1.002), gender (OR = 0.199, 95% CI 0.092-0.431), and type of chemotherapy [cisplatin versus mitomycin (OR = 0.186, 95% CI 0.070-0.491; oxaliplatin versus mitomycin (OR = 0.430, 95% CI 0.163-1.139)]. Prognostic factors of moderate-to-severe hyperthermia (≥ 39 °C) at any time were perfusion duration (OR = 1.094, 95% CI 1.018-1.177) and blood transfusion (OR = 5.689, 95% CI 1.784-18.137). Intraoperative hyperthermia was not associated with increased postoperative complications but was associated with better RFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates age, gender, BMI, and chemotherapy type to be associated with hyperthermia ≥ 38 °C for ≥ 30 min, whereas longer perfusion time and blood transfusion were associated with hyperthermia ≥ 39 °C. Mild hyperthermia at the end of perfusion is associated with better RFS and OS.

Resumen Objetivos Las intoxicaciones siguen siendo un problema de salud publica importante. En el presente estudio evaluamos la epidemiologia de las intoxicaciones en la tercera edad. Metodos Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado entre 2011 y 2019 en un hospital universitario. Analizamos variables demograficas, tipo de toxico involucrado, naturaleza suicida o accidental de la intoxicacion y la probabilidad de ingreso o muerte en el hospital. Resultados Un total de 880 (6,1%) de las 14.300 intoxicaciones atendidas en el mismo periodo sucedieron en mayores de 65 anos. El grupo mas numeroso fueron individuos entre 65-69 anos (39%), seguidos por el grupo de 70-75 anos (20%), siendo varones el 57%. En el 88% de los casos participo un unico toxico, por orden de frecuencia alcohol (51,6%), farmacos (29,5%) y productos domesticos o industriales (12,8%). Las intoxicaciones por alcohol predominaron en hombres hasta los 75 anos y por encima de esta edad predomino la intoxicacion farmacologica o suicida, principalmente en mujeres. Ingresaron un total de 145 (16%) sujetos, siendo los farmacos mas frecuentemente implicados digoxina y benzodiacepinas. La probabilidad de ingreso se asocio con la intoxicacion por metformina, digoxina, litio o la edad del paciente (OR por ano = 1,03; IC 95%: 1,0-1,06). Fallecieron 19 pacientes (2,16%), principalmente por ingestas causticas suicidas (OR = 5,7: IC 95%: 1,4-23,6) o por farmacos, relacionados directamente con la metformina (OR = 10,1; IC 95%: 2,4-42,4). Conclusiones La prevalencia de intoxicaciones en la tercera edad no es despreciable, y los medicos deben sospecharlas ante situaciones clinicas complejas.

Summary Backgound and aims Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is an extremely complex mixture. The multitude of chemical compounds involved can give rise to numerous reactions that condition its stability. We set out to review the existing literature on different issues related to stability, and which are still of concern in the hospital environment; such as the stability of the lipid emulsion. In addition, we analyse other related factors and parameters that allow us to predict the stability of TPN based on the composition. Material and methods we searched PubMed and Google Scholar, over the date range 1995–2019 for relevant studies about TPN stability. We included experimental studies where the physical stability of the lipid emulsion in TPN had been analysed. We applied specific exclusion criteria. Results we included 20 papers in this review of TPN stability. The studies combined different analytical techniques to assess the stability. In all the studies, the mean droplet diameter (MDD) is measured and the stability analysis is completed with other measurements. Temperature and components concentration are also considered. Conclusions studies on the stability of TPN used differing components with different chemical characteristics and their results can be difficult to extrapolate. There is no clear consensus about the composition of the mixtures and there is also great variety in the analytical techniques that were used to analyse stability. It is necessary to conduct new studies to update information on TPN stability.

RESUMEN Los profesionales sanitarios se encuentran en primera línea de atención a pacientes con COVID-19, presentando mayor riesgo de contagio y de afectación emocional. El objetivo del estudio es describir las necesidades en salud mental y conocer el efecto de una intervención psicológica en estos profesionales. Se incluyeron 47 trabajadores del Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron que solicitaron soporte psicológico durante el primer mes y medio de la crisis. Se administraron pre-post intervención un listado de síntomas clínicos, la Escala Clínica de Ansiedad y de Impresión Clínica Global. Consultaron mayoritariamente mujeres, profesionales de enfermería y técnicos auxiliares de enfermería, presentando hiperpreocupación, tristeza, alteraciones de sueño y orexia. Se observó una mejoría significativa en síntomas clínicos (z = 4.6, p ≤ .0001), estrés agudo (z = 2.5, p = .012), ansiedad (z = 5.3, p ≤ .0001) e impresión clínica (z = 4.1, p ≤ .0001). Una intervención psicológica breve, basada en técnicas de gestión de ansiedad, regulación emocional y orientación en valores reduce los síntomas emocionales en profesionales.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid, real-world evidence is essential for the development of knowledge and subsequent public health response. In dermatology, provider-facing and patient-facing registries focused on COVID-19 have been important sources of research and new information aimed at guiding optimal patient care. The 7 dermatology registries included in this update now include more than 8000 case reports sourced from physicians and patients from countries all over the world.

Objective Because carotid plaques predict the development of cardiovascular events in RA, we aimed to assess if the combined use of the systematic coronary risk evaluation (SCORE) and the QRISK3 algorithms allows for the identification of RA patients with carotid plaques in a defined population-based RA inception cohort. Methods A set of consecutive RA patients without a history of diabetes, chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular events were studied by carotid US between 2012 and 2019. Modified SCORE (mSCORE) for RA based on the 2015/2016 updated EULAR recommendations and QRISK3 algorithms were retrospectively tested using baseline data obtained at the time of the carotid US assessment. Results A total of 466 (54%) of 865 patients had carotid plaques. Using dichotomized QRISK3 and EULAR mSCORE, 73.2% (95% CI: 68.4.8, 77.6) of patients with QRISK ≥ 10% and EULAR mSCORE Conclusions . The combined use of QRISK3 and EULAR mSCORE allows for the identification of most RA patients at high risk of carotid plaques.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide and its burden is increasing rapidly in low-income and middle-income countries, many of which are unable to face the challenges it imposes. In this Health Policy paper on primary stroke prevention, we provide an overview of the current situation regarding primary prevention services, estimate the cost of stroke and stroke prevention, and identify deficiencies in existing guidelines and gaps in primary prevention. We also offer a set of pragmatic solutions for implementation of primary stroke prevention, with an emphasis on the role of governments and population-wide strategies, including task-shifting and sharing and health system re-engineering. Implementation of primary stroke prevention involves patients, health professionals, funders, policy makers, implementation partners, and the entire population along the life course.

Obtain energy from thermoelectric generators based on Peltier cells, using natural and/or artificial heat sources in order to have a new ecological tool that allows the generation of clean energy. The present study is focused on a bibliographic research to determine the parameters that intervene in the validity of energy conversion and it has as an objective to analyze the efficiency of Peltier cells, in a didactic process of heat transference, which provides the necessary conditions to a thermoelectric generator based on Peltier cells. Experiments are carried out based on the changes in the process conditions and the transfer function of process is obtained to achieve efficiency in energy production.

El paro cardíaco en niños es un evento raro; sin embargo, aunque los resultados de la reanimación cardiopulmonar han mejorado significativamente en los últimos años la morbimortalidad sigue siendo elevada. A pesar del reconocimiento de la importancia de este evento, no existe un impulso generalizado para que se realicen estudios clínicos, revisiones y registros de reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP). Si bien se pueden justificar los ensayos controlados aleatorios para algunas intervenciones, no son apropiados para muchos aspectos de la reanimación pediátrica.

To assess whether the introduction of single use flexibles ureteroscopes (su-fURS) at our high-volume centre had an advantageous impact on the turn-over and breakage rates of reusable fURS (re-fURS). We analysed re-fURS number of usages and breakages at our centre between February 2015 and December 2018. We recorded the number of usages for analysed scope between the first usage until a breakage requiring reconditioning. Usage count was restarted following each reconditioning episode. Since su-fURS (Lithovue, Boston Scientific, USA) were introduced at our center in September 2016, we had the chance to compare different re-fURS life cycles according to both su-fURS availability and usage intensity (i.e., number of su-fURS used during each re-fURS life cycle). We then explored the relationship between su-fURS usage intensity and reusable scope survival (i.e., number of utilizations before any breakage requiring reconditioning) using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) approach. Five different re-fURSs were employed at our centre, for a total of 1820 usages and 40 breakages requiring reconditioning. The overall mean (SD) number of usages before breaking was 40 (22). After su-fURS introduction, mean (SD) re-fURS number of usages increased from 35 (22) to 49 (20), (+ 40%, p = 0.02). The relationship between su-fURS usage intensity and reusable scopes survival showed a linear survival increase after 10 or more su-fURS scopes were used per life cycle. The life cycle of re-fURS increased by 40% after the introduction of su-fURS. Ten or more used su-fURS per life cycle were associated with increased re-fURS survival.

Purpose: to determine whether pre-surgical treatment using long-acting somatostatin analogues (SSAs) may improve surgical outcomes in acromegaly. Methods: retrospective study of 48 patients with acromegaly operated by endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and for first time. Surgical remission was evaluated based on the 2010 criteria. Results: most patients, 83.3% (n = 40), harbored macroadenomas and 31.3% (n = 15) invasive pituitary adenomas. In this case, 14 patients were treated with lanreotide LAR and 6 with octreotide LAR, median monthly doses of 97.5 [range 60–120] and 20 [range 20–30] mg, respectively, for at least 3 months preoperatively. Presurgical variables were comparable between pre-treated and untreated patients (p &gt, 0.05). Surgical remission was more frequent in those pre-treated with monthly doses ≥90 mg of lanreotide or ≥30 mg of octreotide than in untreated or pre-treated with lower doses (OR = 4.64, p = 0.025). However, no differences were found between pre-treated and untreated patients when lower doses were included or between those treated for longer than 6 months compared to those untreated or pre-treated for shorter than 6 months. Similarly, no differences were found either in terms of surgical or endocrine complications (OR = 0.65, p = 0.570), independently of the doses and the duration of SSA treatment (p &gt, 0.05). Conclusions: the dose of SSAs is a key factor during pre-surgical treatment, since the beneficial effects in surgical remission were observed with monthly doses equal or higher than 90 mg of lanreotide and 30 mg of octreotide, but not with lower doses.

BACKGROUND To better counsel vestibular schwannoma patients, it is necessary to understand the tumor control rates of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). OBJECTIVES To determine tumor control rates, factors determining control and complication rates following SRS. METHODS Tertiary hospital retrospective cohort. RESULTS 579 tumors (576 patients) were treated with SRS. 477 tumors (474 patients, 82%) had ≥1 year follow up and 60% (344) ≥3 years follow up. 88% of tumors had primary SRS and 6.7% salvage SRS. Median follow up time was 4.6 years. At 3 years, the tumor control rate of primary SRS was 89% (258 of 290) in sporadic tumors compared to 43% in Neurofibromatosis type II (3 of 17) (p

Juan P Cata,1,2 Pascal Owusu-Agyemang,1,2 Dhanalakshmi Koyyalagunta,3 German Corrales,1,2 Lei Feng,4 Keith Fournier2,3 1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; 2Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX, USA; 3Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; 4Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USACorrespondence: Juan P CataDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USATel +1 713-792-4582Fax +1 713-792-4582Email JCata@mdanderson.orgBackground: Persistent pain and opioid use can be devastating after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC).Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the impact of ketamine use on postoperative complications and persistent and chronic pain after CRS-HIPEC.Results: Ketamine reduced perioperative opioid use before and after implementation of recovery after surgery programs. Ketamine did not impact the formation of persistent and chronic pain formation and long-term opioid use. Postoperative complications and postoperative re-operations were independent predictors of persistent pain. Interestingly, the risk of having a complication was increased by 1% for every doubling in opioids used intraoperatively.Conclusion: Ketamine use reduces perioperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC, but it is not associated with improvements in long-term opioid use and chronic pain.Keywords: chronic pain, cancer, neoplasm, opioids, ketamine, surgery, cytoreductive surgery

Background Survivors of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive and functional decline, and death, but the mechanisms remain unknown. Research Question Do CAP survivors have evidence of increased inflammatory activity in their lung parenchyma on 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro- d -glucose (18FDG)-PET/CT imaging after clinical resolution of infection? Study Design and Methods We obtained 18FDG-PET/CT scans from 22 CAP survivors during their hospitalization with pneumonia (acute CAP) and 30 to 45 days after hospital discharge (post-CAP). In each set of scans, we assessed the lungs for foci of increased 18FDG uptake by visual interpretation and by total pulmonary glycolytic activity (tPGA), a background-corrected measure of total metabolic activity (as measured by 18FDG uptake). We also measured, post-CAP, the glycolytic activity of CAP survivor lung areas with volumes similar to the areas in 28 matched historical control subjects without pneumonia. Results Overall, 68% of CAP survivors (95% CI, 45%-85%) had distinct residual areas of increased 18FDG uptake in their post-CAP studies. tPGA decreased from 821.5 (SD, 1,140.2) in the acute CAP period to 80.0 (SD, 81.4) in the post-CAP period (P = .006). The tPGA post-CAP was significantly higher than that in lung areas of similar volume in control subjects (80.0 [SD, 81.4] vs –19.4 [SD, 5.9]; P Interpretation An important proportion of CAP survivors have persistent pulmonary foci of increased inflammatory activity beyond resolution of their infection. As inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, functional waning, and mortality risk in the general population, this finding provides a plausible mechanism for the increased morbidity and mortality that have been observed post-CAP.

This empirical research uses panel data methodology to find the main factors determining Spanish audit quality. on a sample with more than 60,000 audited companies from 2013 to 2018. Prior to analysing the quality of the audit, we have adjusted the best possible model to the audit fees behaviour in order to extract the abnormal fees. Our dynamic model shows that audited company’s size, the previous year’s audit fees, the years with the same audit firm, the auditor’s opinion, the auditor rotation, the concentration or dedication to the client and the client sector are explanatory factors of audit fees. Further, we find evidence that audit quality improves with number of hours billed for audit work and decreases with sector concentration of auditor and, a novel multiplicative effect, the auditor size by abnormal audit fees, in such a way that the surcharge (abnormal fees) of the big audit firms contribute negatively to improve the audit quality.

APR-246 (eprenetapopt) is in clinical development with a focus on hematologic malignancies and is promoted as a mutant-p53 reactivation therapy. Currently, the detection of at least one TP53 mutation is an inclusion criterion for patient selection into most APR-246 clinical trials. Preliminary results from our phase Ib/II clinical trial investigating APR-246 combined with doublet chemotherapy [cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)] in metastatic esophageal cancer, together with previous preclinical studies, indicate that TP53 mutation status alone may not be a sufficient biomarker for APR-246 response. This study aims to identify a robust biomarker for response to APR-246. Correlation analysis of the PRIMA-1 activity (lead compound to APR-246) with mutational status, gene expression, protein expression, and metabolite abundance across over 700 cancer cell lines (CCL) was performed. Functional validation and a boutique siRNA screen of over 850 redox-related genes were also conducted. TP53 mutation status was not consistently predictive of response to APR-246. The expression of SLC7A11, the cystine/glutamate transporter, was identified as a superior determinant of response to APR-246. Genetic regulators of SLC7A11, including ATF4, MDM2, wild-type p53, and c-Myc, were confirmed to also regulate cancer-cell sensitivity to APR-246. In conclusion, SLC7A11 expression is a broadly applicable determinant of sensitivity to APR-246 across cancer and should be utilized as the key predictive biomarker to stratify patients for future clinical investigation of APR-246.

To offer a practical guide for the presurgical and anesthetic management of pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs). This protocol was based on a comprehensive review of the literature and on our own multidisciplinary team’s experience from managing pheochromocytoma and sympathetic PGLs at a referral center. Patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs) may develop potentially life-threatening complications, especially during surgical procedures. A complete biochemical, radiological, genetic, and cardiological assessment is recommended in the preoperative stage as it provides an evaluation of the risk of surgical complications and malignancy, allowing individualization of the presurgical treatment. Treatment with α-blockade and proper volume expansion in the preoperative stage significantly reduces the perioperative morbidity. During surgery, the anesthesiologist should look for a deep anesthetic level that inhibits the cardiovascular effects of catecholamines to minimize the risk of intraoperative complications. An optimal presurgical evaluation of pheochromocytomas/ sympathetic PGL requires a multidisciplinary approach, including a complete hormonal, radiological, cardiac, genetic, and functioning evaluation in most cases. A proper preoperative evaluation in combination with strict blood pressure and heart rate control, and blood volume status optimization, will significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and perioperative complications. In those patients who unfortunately develop intraoperative complications, the role of the anesthesiologist is essential since the selection of the appropriate management has a direct impact on morbimortality reduction.

Introduction: Recent studies suggest a role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Omentin-1 and apelin are two recently identified adipokines that have been involved in the regulation of metabolic and inflammatory responses. Aim: To investigate serum omentin-1 and apelin levels in patients with HS and to assess their associations with metabolic parameters, disease severity and HS risk. Material and methods: This case-control study included 139 non-diabetic individuals (78 HS patients and 61 ageand sex-matched controls). Serum concentrations of omentin-1 and apelin and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured in all participants. Results: Serum omentin-1 concentrations were significantly higher in HS patients compared to controls, whereas apelin serum levels did not significantly differ between both groups. These differences in omentin-1 concentrations remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that increased omentin-1 plasma levels were an independent risk factor for HS. However, we found no association between serum levels of both omentin-1 and apelin with HS severity. Conclusions: Our results show that patients with HS have raised omentin-1 serum levels, which are associated with HS risk.

Las emergencias cardiacas en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos (ECPNQ) han sido estudiadas últimamente debido a que su ocurrencia genera una alta morbimortalidad. Entendemos ECPNQ como la fibrilación ventricular, actividad eléctrica sin pulso, arresto cardiaco, asistolia y bradicardia severa, y pueden clasificarse según la ubicación de la neurocirugía al momento de producirse. Sin embargo, diferentes mecanismos fisiopatológicos explican la aparición de cada emergencia, como los reflejos neurales, el aumento del tono parasimpático y la embolia aérea venosa. El manejo radica en controlar y equilibrar la causa de la emergencia y en ocasiones reanimación cardiopulmonar teniendo en cuenta la posición en la que está el paciente, pues esto incide en el pronóstico y desenlace.

In 2017, The Ottawa Hospital initiated a unique‐in‐Canada quality improvement initiative by opening a novel, multi‐specialist limb‐preservation clinic. We sought to describe the structure, processes, and initial outcomes of the clinic and evaluate whether it is achieving its mandate of providing high‐quality wound clinical care, education, and research. We conducted a descriptive prospective cohort study alongside a nested study of 162 clinic patients requiring serial assessments. There have been 1623 visits, mostly (72.2%) from outpatients. During 17.8% of visits, patients were evaluated by >1 specialist. Therapies provided most often included negative‐pressure wound therapy (32.7%), biological wound dressings (21.6%), and total contact casting (18.5%). Furthermore, 1.2% underwent toe/ray amputations or skin grafting in clinic and 22.8% were initiated on antimicrobials. Mixed‐effects models suggested that mean wound volumes for those requiring serial assessments decreased by 1.6 (95% confidence interval = −0.86 to −2.27) cm3 between visits. The clinic provided seven rotations to vascular surgery, infectious diseases, dermatology, and palliative care physicians; three nursing preceptorships; and two educational workshops. It also initiated provincial and national vascular health and wound care research initiatives. This study may be used to guide development of other limb‐preservation clinics and programmes. Findings support that our programme is achieving its mandate.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Recent studies have identified that reduced alternative intravenous insulin doses, such as 5 units or 0.1 units/kg, may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia compared to standard doses of 10 units in patients treated for hyperkalemia. However, some studies suggest that these alternative doses may reduce the ability to lower serum potassium. This study was performed to determine the impact of alternative insulin dosing on hypoglycemia and potassium reduction in patients with hyperkalemia. DESIGN Meta-analysis. DATA SOURCE PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Ovid, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception through November 2020. PATIENTS Patients treated with standard (10 units) or alternative (

Background Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) is increasingly considered as an alternative to central parenteral nutrition (CPN) given the higher cost and more frequent clinical complications associated with the latter. However, the assessment of potential risks and benefits of PPN in critically ill pediatric canine patients has not been extensively performed. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of short-term, hypocaloric PPN on weight loss, length of hospital stay, the incidence of complications, adverse effects, and mortality in critically ill pediatric canine patients. Results Between August 2015 and August 2018, a total of 59 critically ill pediatric canine patients aged from 1 to 6 months admitted at the Veterinary Sciences Research Institute of the Autonomous University of Baja California were included in this non-randomized clinical trial. Canine pediatric patients were initially allocated to 3 groups: 11 in group 1 receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) supplementation equivalent to 40% of the resting energy requirement (RER), 12 in group 2 receiving supplementation of 50% of the RER, and 36 in group 3 receiving no PN supplementation. After establishing that there was no significant difference between 40 and 50% of PN supplementation, these groups were not separated for downstream analysis. Similar lengths of hospital stays were noted among study subjects who received PN supplementation and those who did not (4.3 ± 1.5 vs. 5.0 ± 1.5, days, p = 0.097). No metabolic-, sepsis- or phlebitis-related complications were observed in any animal in the PPN supplemented group. Higher mortality (19.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.036), and a greater percentage of weight loss (9.24% vs. 0%, p Conclusion Even though short-term, hypocaloric PPN did not reduce the length of hospital stay, it was associated with lower mortality and resulted in mitigation of weight loss. In contrast to previous studies evaluating central and peripheral parenteral nutrition protocols, we observed a lower frequency of metabolic, septic, and phlebitis complications using a 40–50% parenteral nutrition treatment. The parenteral nutrition therapeutic intervention used in our study may reduce PN-related adverse effects and promote a favorable disease outcome in critically ill canine patients. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these observations.

Endocorporeal laser lithotripsy (ELL) is currently the gold standard for the treatment of renal stones during retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS). The newly-authorised thulium fibre laser (Tm-Fibre) in now evaluated as a holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser alternative, which is the most well-known laser source for ELL. This update aimed to present the fundamentals of pulsed lasers for EEL [technology, period, pulse characteristic (rate, duration, energy, shape), peak power, average power], and the available lithotripsy modes for both Tm-Fibre and Ho:YAG lasers.

Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated D-dimer, and prolonged prothrombin time are considered poor prognostic factors in adults with acute Coronavirus Disease 2019. The prognostic significance of these abnormalities among pediatric patients remains underreported in the literature. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the prognostic implications of hematologic and hemostatic derangements in patients younger than 22-years-of-age who were admitted to a tertiary-care referral institution for management of acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were identified as independent prognostic factors of disease severity. Although the majority of children, with available results, had elevated D-dimer or prolonged prothrombin time upon initial presentation, these markers were not found to be associated with the development of severe clinical complications.

Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) is a relatively new and rapidly evolving subspecialty in many countries. The purposes of this study were to describe the characteristics and to find common/shared practices in current available PEM fellowship programs across Latin America.An electronic, multicenter survey was created and stored on Google forms. The survey was in Spanish language and included 30 questions about the characteristics of the pediatric emergency program, history of the program, and support expected from the Latin American Pediatric Emergency Society.A total of 11 PEM programs in 6 countries were acknowledged in Latin America. All programs are placed in pediatric tertiary care hospitals. All PEM programs were approved by the local universities and the Ministries of Health in each country. Difficulties to start a PEM program included a lack of physicians properly trained in PEM who could direct the program, physician instructors in specific topics, places to complete rotations of the future fellows, and getting the local health authorities to acknowledge the importance of the program. With regard to the duration of the program, 72.7% (8) have a 2-year curriculum and 27.3% (3) have a 1-year curriculum. Four (36.4%) program directors mentioned an admission examination as a requirement, 4 (36.4%) needed an examination plus an interview, 3 (27.3%) mentioned that it is necessary just like an interview, and 2 (18.2%) mentioned that the physicians are admitted with a scholarship. With regard to the structure of the programs and rotations included, most of the programs have rotations that are compulsory in different pediatric subspecialties. In 80% of the programs, fellows are evaluated based on different technical skill procedures that they need to learn and perform during PEM fellowship training. The PEM fellowship is recognized by different societies in emergency medicine and pediatrics, except in Dominican Republic where it is only recognized by the Ministry of Health and the university. After completion of the program in 90% (10) of the programs, graduates are not guaranteed a job, and in half, there is no mechanism implemented for recertification of the pediatric emergency physicians by the local medical council.In Latin America, postgraduate programs in pediatric emergencies are a response to a need for health systems. Being an innovative specialty, it surpassed each country's own challenges, until it was able to reach an internationally standardized level, with a great diversity of pedagogical methodology, which the product has been to offer a high quality of emergency care to children.

Introduction Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) causes severe morbidity and can result in maternal death. It must be managed in specialized centers with interdisciplinary groups, but few publications have described the usual management within a specific geographic region. We intend to describe the usual approach for PAS in reference centers in Latin America. Methodology This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in Latin American PAS reference centers. A standardized survey was implemented and applied to obstetric service coordinators and leaders of interdisciplinary groups with experience in PAS between September and November 2020. Results One hundred fifty-four hospitals were included. Most of them (64.3%) handle approximately one case of PAS every two months, and almost all centers (89.6%) believe that their performance could be improved. Conclusions Most of the reference centers for PAS in Latin America attend to a small number of cases each year, and almost all of these hospitals identify opportunities to improve the management or approach for PAS in women.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most frequent inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF). This protein far from simplicity constitutes a very complex molecular model, remaining unravelled yet many aspects of it, even though the VWF gene (VWF) was cloned already in 1985 and the structure of VWF well defined. VWD diagnosis is difficult to achieve in a significant proportion of patients due to both disease heterogeneity and limitations in existing test processes. The cornerstone of diagnosis relies on interpretation of VWF test results, the presence of clinical manifestations of bleeding, especially mucocutaneous, and (in most cases) a positive family history. However, even with a significant bleeding history, a family history may not be positive due to factors of incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity that affect genetic changes. The laboratory diagnosis of VWD can be difficult, as the disease is heterogeneous and an array of assays is required to describe the phenotype. Basic classification of quantitative (type 1 and 3) and qualitative (type 2 variants) VWD requires determination of VWF antigenic (VWF:Ag) levels and assaying of VWF ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo) activity. The latter is required for identifying and subtyping VWD, but the assay is poorly standardized. For that reason, novel VWF activity assays have been developed awaiting more extensive comparison data between different methodologies and requiring validation on larger patient series. The qualitative type 2 VWF deficiency can be further divided into four different subtypes (A, B, M and N) using specific assays that measure other activities or the size distribution of VWF multimers. However, frequently, it may be difficult to correctly classify the VWD phenotype, and genetic analysis is through mutation identification may provide a tool to clarify the disorder.

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has increased the use of powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) devices, which produce appreciable noise levels during filtration. Our objective was to determine if active PAPR usage significantly impairs auditory communication in health care providers. We additionally sought to assess what volume of speech presentation was required for adequate communication with providers wearing a PAPR. In subjects with normal hearing at baseline, audiometric data demonstrated a 93% (95% CI, 86%-99%) decrease in word recognition scores during active PAPR usage. Presentation at 85 to 90 dB was needed to obtain word recognition scores similar to baseline in subjects with normal hearing without a PAPR. Pure tone averages also significantly decreased with PAPR usage, by 54 dB (95% CI, 46-62). Active PAPR usage has a substantial impact on auditory perception when utilized by health care providers. The potential longer-term effect of these devices on providers with regular active usage is of interest for future study.

OBJECTIVES Some researchers have observed an increased number of deaths during the follow-up of young patients who undergo aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic stenosis, suggesting that this procedure does not restore their life expectancy. Our goal was to confirm these findings and explore sex-based differences. METHODS All patients between 50 and 65 years of age who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement in 27 Spanish centres during an 18-year period were included. We compared observed and expected survival at 15 years of follow-up and estimated the cumulative incidence of death from a competing risks point of view. We stratified by sex and analysed if being a woman was an independent risk factor for death. RESULTS For men, the observed survival at 10 and 15 years of follow-up was 85% [95% confidence interval (CI) 83.6%–86.4%] and 72.3% (95% CI 69.7%–74.7%), respectively whereas the expected survival was 88.1% and 78.8%. For women, the observed survival at 10 and 15 years was 85% (95% CI 82.8%–86.9%) and 73% (95% CI 69.1%–76.4%), whereas the expected survival was 94.6% and 89.4%. At 15 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of death due to the disease in men and women was 8.2% and 16.7%, respectively. In addition, being a woman was an independent risk factor for death (hazard ratio = 1.23 (95% CI 1.02–1.48; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS After the aortic valve replacement, men and women do not have their life expectancy restored, but this loss is much higher in women than in men. In addition, being a woman is a risk factor for long-term death. Reasons for these findings are unknown and must be investigated.

A raíz de la pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2, los sistemas de salud de los distintos países han experimentado un dramático aumento en la ocupación de las unidades de cuidado intensivo y, por ende, una alta demanda de ventiladores mecánicos. En este artículo se propone un protocolo de pruebas de ventiladores mecánicos de bajo costo en modelos porcinos, como parte del desarrollo de equipos biomédicos que pueden apoyar la crisis sanitaria suscitada por la pandemia. El protocolo aborda aspectos que incluyen la fase previa a la prueba, el manejo anestésico, de vía aérea, seguimiento de laboratorio, recuperación y seguimiento del animal. Como resultado, se presenta a la comunidad académica un protocolo de validación de prototipo de ventilador mecánico en espécimen porcino como un referente para su aplicación y revalidación por parte de grupos interesados en el desarrollo de tecnologías locales de bajo costo.

To explore the risk of encrustation and biofilm formation for silicone ureteral stents compared to percuflex polymer stents, through a randomized multicenter study. Design, setting and participants: A Multicenter, prospective, randomized, single blind, comparative study of hydrocoated silicone stent (Coloplast Imajin® hydro) versus Percuflex™ Plus stent (Boston Scientific), in 141 patients treated by flexible URS for a kidney stone. The study had ethical committee approval in the respective hospitals. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Endpoints related to encrustation were biofilm formation and mineral encrustation after a period of 3-week indwelling time. They were evaluated at removal through a scoring scale of ureteral stents encrustation, infrared spectroscopy and optical microscopy of inner and outer surfaces of tips, angles and along the stent’s body. Comparison was performed using ANOVA. 119 stents were available after removal for analysis, 56 in the silicone and 63 in the Percuflex TM Plus group. Mean dwelling duration was 21.8 days for silicone, 22.1 days for PercuflexTM Plus. There was significantly more biofilm on Percuflex™ Plus compared to silicone (1.24 ± 0.08 vs 0.93 ± 0.09, p = 0.0021), and more mineral encrustation (1.22 ± 0.10 vs 0.78 ± 0.11, p = 0.0048), respectively. This multicenter randomized study shows that silicone-hydrocoated stents are less prone to encrustation than PercuflexTM Plus after a 3-week dwelling period and confirms the low encrustation potential of silicone.