ARCHITECT Chagas: una nueva herramienta diagnóstica en la enfermedad de Chagas

Objective

To evaluate a new chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (ARCHITECT Chagas^®, Abbott).

Methods

In this study, 165 samples were tested by two different serological tests. The ARCHITECT Chagas^® assay was performed using ARCHITECT i2000_SR system (Abbott).

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of ARCHITECT assay was 100% and 96.6%, respectively. The concordance rate was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92-1) for ELISA and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85-0.97) for immunofluorescence assay (IFA).

Conclusions

The ARCHITECT Chagas^® assay demonstrates a sensitivity and specificity similar to ELISA and IFA assays; it allows a large volume of samples to be processed with a good standardization and reproducibility, as well as an objective interpretation     

Evaluación del sistema automatizado UF-1000i en el diagnóstico de infección urinaria

Objective

To evaluate the Sysmex UF-1000i^® system as a urine screening method for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection, and epithelial cells as a predictive value of contamination in woman of childbearing age.

Methods

A total of 1730 urine samples were processed using a urine culture as a reference.

Results

With 50 bacteria/μl as a cut-off point, the results were: sensitivity 91.3%, specificity 73.1%, negative predictive value 96.2%. For a specificity of 90% for epithelial cells, the results were: sensitivity 31.0%, positive predictive value 67.0%, negative predictive value 66.0%.

Conclusion

The evaluated system is fast and effective. Epithelial cells could be used to predict contamination.     

Analyse des complications cardiovasculaires survenant lors des transferts inter-hospitaliers de patients ayant un syndrome coronarien sans élévation du segment ST non compliqué

Introduction

Managing patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) require their transfer to an interventional cardiology center. The inter-hospital transfer (IHT) of these patients is managed by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) which often requests a medicalised transport of such patients due to the risk of complications.

Aim of the study

Evaluating the incidence of cardiovascular complications that require medical intervention, occurring during IHT of patients with uncomplicated NSTEMI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study for one year (August 2010–July 2011) in the SAMU-85 unit using the regulation software Centaure^®. All patients with NSTEMI who had been transferred from one of the peripheral hospitals in the region of Vendee were included.

Results

The study population group is composed of one hundred and fifty-nine patients. No cardiovascular complications requiring medical intervention occurred during the transport. Seventeen patients (10.7%) had cardiovascular complications: repolarization disorder (7), chest pain (3), dyspnea (3), arrhythmia (2), and bradycardia (2). These complications did not require action or medical intervention.

Conclusion

The medicalization of IHT of patients with NSTEMI who do not show complications before transfer, is probably questionable. Indeed, according to this study made on 159 patients, no cardiovascular event requiring medical intervention was reported during transport.     

Fibrose rétropéritonéale idiopathique : évolution à long terme du pronostic rénal dans une série rétrospective multicentrique de 30 cas

Purpose

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is an inflammatory disorder, affecting the aorta and the surrounding vessels and tissues. The prognosis is mainly driven by the risks of chronic kidney disease and relapse. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of chronic kidney disease at follow-up.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed for IRF in Seine-Saint-Denis (France) between 1987 and 2011. We collected informations about presentation, radiologic findings and follow-up. Diagnosis of IRF was confirmed when all the following criteria were met: infiltration of the infrarenal aorta or iliac vessels, absence of aneurysmal dilation, lack of clinical suspicion of malignancy.

Results

Thirty patients were identified, with a male/female ratio of 4.9. Mean age was 55 ± 13 years old. The mean creatinine clearance was 66 mL/min/1.73 m² and the mean CRP was 45 ± 36 mg/L. In 24 (80%) patients, the location of IRF was periaortic and periiliac. Eleven patients (37%) underwent a diagnostic biopsy, and 14 (47%) required an ureteral procedure. A mean follow-up of 63 months was available for 29 patients: 69% relapsed, 7 developed chronic renal disease (24%), and one died of urinary sepsis. Older age (P = 0.023), diabetes (P = 0.007), and initial renal insufficiency (P = 0.05) were associated with a risk of chronic renal insufficiency.

Conclusion

The high frequency of relapses and chronic renal disease emphasizes the need of close follow-up in patients diagnosed with IRF.     

Sensibilisation parentérale du lapin aux protéines du lait de vache : effets sur la perméabilité intestinale

Objectives

Study of the cow's milk protein intolerance mechanisms in order to knowledge, in which could proportions spread the permeability of intestinal to the β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin at the rabbits sensitized to these two proteins.

Methods

The rabbits were sensitized to these proteins by subcutaneous way and their degree of immunization established by Elisa dosage of the specific IgG. For the study of the transepithelial exchanges, the interaction of the proteins (marked to the ¹⁴C-formol), with the mucous intestinal of sensitized and some control rabbits were follow-up in vitro on fragments of ileums mounted in Ussing chamber. Their transepithelial fluxes were measured, after stimulation by the proteins deposed in the mucous compartment from a sampling made from serosa side.

Results

The animals sensitized present some titers in IgG anti β-lactoglobulin and anti α-lactalbumin, as well as some transepithelial fluxes, significantly more increased than control animals.

Conclusion

These results suggests that at the immunized animals, the interaction of the sensitizing protein with intestinal mucous caused some anomalies of hydroelectrolytic transport.     

Intérêts et limites de la stratégie invasive coronaire chez les patients nonagénaires

Background

Nonagenarians are systematically excluded from studies of interventional cardiology. Few data exist on the usefulness, safety, and results of coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in this population.

Purpose

To evaluate the benefits and hazards of CA and PCI in nonagenarians.

Methods

Retrospective study conducted from the database (Cardioreport^®) of the CH de Versailles, from January 2001 to December 2011.

Results

From the 15,806 procedures performed in the center during the period, 107 (0.9%) were done in 97 patients aged ≥ 90 years. Half of them underwent PCI. Median age was 92 ± 2 years (range: 90 to 100), 56% were women. Main indication was an acute coronary syndrome (77%, acute STEMI in 39%). The first group (n = 58) had a single CA leading to strengthen medical treatment, and CABG in one case. The second group (n = 49) had a CA followed by immediate (41) or delayed (8) PCI. The primary success rate of PCI was 90%. Radial route was used in 94% in the period 2009–2011 (51% overall). Failure of arterial access (4%) and difficulties of catheterization (13%) were rare. Severe complications occurred in 19%. They were local (11 hematomas, 6 severe, 4 transfusions, and 1 fatal acute ischemia of a lower limb), and general (1 stroke, 1 death by left main rupture during PCI). Twenty percent of the complications (11% of severe ones) were directly related to the procedure. Overall hospital mortality was 10%.

Conclusions

Angiography is feasible in nonagenarians by radial approach without failures and with a reduced rate of complications. PCI was indicated in about half of the cases. PCI may be proposed in nonagerians with a high success rate, and an acceptable risk of local and general complications.     

Implante percutáneo de la válvula autoexpandible CoreValve en pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave y aorta de porcelana: seguimiento a medio plazo

Introduction and objectives

There is little information on the use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta. The primary aim of this study was to analyze death from any cause after CoreValve^® implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis, with and without porcelain aorta.

Methods

In this multicenter, observational prospective study, carried out in 3 hospitals, percutaneous aortic valves were implanted in 449 patients with severely calcified aortic stenosis. Of these, 36 (8%) met the criteria for porcelain aorta. The primary end-point was death from any cause at 2 years.

Results

Patients with porcelain aorta more frequently had extracardiac vascular disease (11 [30.6%] vs 49 [11.9%]; P=.002), prior coronary revascularization (15 [41.7%] vs 98 [23.7%]; P=.017), and dyslipidemia (26 [72.2%] vs 186 [45%]; P=.02). In these patients, there was greater use of general anesthesia (15 [41.7%] vs 111 [16.9%]; P=.058) and axillary access (9 [25%] vs 34 [8.2%]; P=.004). The success rate of the procedure (94.4 vs 97.3%; P=.28) and the incidence of complications (7 [19.4%] vs 48 [11.6%]; P=.20) were similar in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the primary end point at 24 months of follow-up (8 [22.2%] vs 66 [16%]; P=.33). The only predictive variable for the primary end point was the presence of complications during implantation (hazard ratio=2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.5; P=.001).

Conclusions

In patients with aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta unsuitable for surgery, percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve^® self-expanding valve prosthesis is safe and feasible.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Les glomérulopathies associées aux néoplasies myéloprolifératives

Purpose

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are hematological disorders characterized by clonal expansion of one or more medullary lines. Renal complications are rare, chiefly as acute renal failure. Glomerular involvement is exceptional

Methods

We report on a retrospective multicenter case series of eight patients who presented with a glomerulopathy (GP) associated with MPN

Results

All GP were revealed by a major proteinuria frequently associated with nephrotic syndrome and oedema. Histology was mainly characterized by lesions of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with increased mesangial cellularity. The pathophysiology is still unclear but platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which play a central role in the MPN may be involved. A majority of patients developed chronic renal failure despite of a therapy intended to block the renin-angiotensin system

Conclusion

Monitoring of proteinuria during the follow-up of MPN would allow earlier diagnosis of renal involvement. Further studies on a larger scale are needed to specify the pathophysiological mechanisms involved and the management of these complications     

Características clínicas y pronóstico de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad causada por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina

Introduction

The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical features, treatment and prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in two different geographic regions where community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections have different frequencies.

Methods

Observational study of patients admitted to two hospitals (one in Argentina, the other in Spain) between March 2008 and June 2012.

Results

We documented 16 cases of CAP caused by MRSA. MRSA accounted for 15 of 547 (2.7%) cases of CAP in Hospital Rodolfo Rossi and 1 of 1258 (0,08%) cases at the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (P ≤ .001). Most patients were young and previously healthy. Multilobar infiltrates, cavitation and skin and soft tissue involvement were frequent. All patients had positive blood cultures. Five patients required admission to the intensive care unit. Early mortality (≤ 48 hours) was 19%, and overall mortality (≤ 30 days) was 25%.

Conclusion

CAP caused by MRSA causes high morbidity and mortality rates. It should be suspected in areas with a high prevalence of CA-MRSA infections, and especially in young and healthy patients who present with multilobar pneumonia with cavitation. Mortality is mainly related to septic shock and respiratory failure and occurs early in most cases.     

Chagas pediátrico en zona no endémica

Introduction

Immigration has introduced new diseases into Spanish society, one of which is Chagas disease. Young women of childbearing age and children infected with Trypanosoma cruzi from endemic areas are at risk of developing the disease years later, and pregnant women can transmit the infection through the placenta.

Methods

Serological screening for anti-T. cruzi antibodies was performed on all immigrant children coming from a Chagas endemic area and seen in our Pathology Unit between 2003 and 2008, as well as on newborns of T. cruzi positive infected pregnant women coming from Latin America. Two ELISA tests were used (bioelisa Chagas Biokit^® with recombinant antigens, and an ‘in house’ ELISA with crude antigen). Patients with sufficient sample were also screened by nested PCR (TCZ3/Z4).

Results

A total of 202 children, aged 1 day to 14 years old were included in the study, of whom 22 (10.8%) were diagnosed with asymptomatic infection, 5 of which were congenital as they were born in this country. All infected patients received treatment with benznidazole, with three of them currently with a serologically negative result after treatment.

Conclusion

Chagas disease is a new imported paediatric disease that can affect children from endemic countries, but can also be acquired in our country by vertical transmission. Therefore, we believe that it is essential to perform serological screening on all children and pregnant women in the prenatal care from endemic areas, and provide specific treatment for those infected patients, given the good results observed in the paediatric population.     

Preparación con picosulfato sódico/citrato de magnesio en dosis fraccionadas para colonoscopias en turno de mañana realizadas entre las 2 y 6 horas posteriores a la ingesta de líquidos

Background

Split dosage of bowel preparations has been shown to substantially improve bowel cleansing.

Aim

To compare the split dose (SD) sodium picosulphate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid (Citrafleet^®) regimen for morning colonoscopies with standard cleansing the day before.

Methods

Consecutive outpatients were randomized to receive Citrafleet^® the day before colonoscopy or SD, in whom the second half was administered on an individual basis from 2 to 6 hours before the procedure. No bisacodyl was administered. All procedures were performed with non-anesthesiologist administered propofol sedation. The Boston scale was used to assess the quality of bowel preparation (adequate cleansing if score ≥ 6, with no score of 0/1 in any segment).

Results

A total of 193 patients were included. Overall bowel cleansing was significantly better in the SD group (7 vs. 5.2, p < 0.001), as well as in the cecum (2.4 vs. 1.4, p < 0.001), ascending colon (2.5 vs. 1.6, p < 0.001) and transverse colon (2.4 vs. 2, p = 0.004). A significant proportion of SD patients had adequate bowel cleansing (71% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). Patients in the SD group drank a greater amount of liquid (4.9 vs. 4 liters, p = 0.006) and more frequently perceived the cleansing process to be easy or very easy to complete (89 vs. 68%, p = 0.04), although they slept significantly fewer hours (6.5 vs. 7.9, p < 0.001). No bronchoaspiration pneumonia was reported.

Conclusions

SD Citrafleet^® 2 to 6 hours before colonoscopy increased the rate of procedures with adequate bowel cleansing by 40%, especially in the proximal colon, allowed more liquids to be drunk and increased the perception of ease in completing the preparation, with no sedation-related complications.     

Implantación de una prueba rápida de VIH en Asturias (España)

Introduction

The aim of the study was to analyze the implementation of a rapid HIV test in Asturias (Spain).

Methods

The study was conducted in two STI Units using the Determine^® HIV-1/2 test.

Results

A total of 1011 people were tested, of whom 65.3% had never been tested for HIV previously, and 71.4% were heterosexual men. Twenty-one tests were confirmed positive by Enzyme Immunoassay/Western Blot (EIA/WB) assay An increase was observed in the diagnosis of HIV.

Conclusion

Awareness campaigns and rapid tests could be effective methods for the early diagnosis of HIV.     

La pancréatite lupique : une série de six cas

Purpose

The occurrence of acute pancreatitis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known but rare, and is exceptionally the presenting manifestation. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, and it is difficult to separate what belongs to vasculitis, thrombotic phenomena in the context of an associated antiphospholipid syndrome, or iatrogenic complications. We report on six cases of lupus pancreatitis.

Methods

This is a retrospective monocenter study of 110 patients with SLE. The diagnosis of lupus pancreatitis was established after exclusion of other causes of pancreatitis.

Results

Five women and one man (5.4%) with a mean age of 36.3 years presented with lupus pancreatitis. In four patients the pancreatitis was concurrent with the diagnosis of SLE and it occurred later during an exacerbation of the disease in the two remaining patients. In all patients, pancreatic manifestations were associated with other organ involvement. Clinical manifestations were: abdominal pain (n = 6), vomiting (n = 3), and fever (n = 3). Elevated pancreatic enzyme was noted in all cases. All patients were treated by high doses of glucocorticoids. The outcome was favorable in five patients, and one patient died.

Conclusion

Pancreatitis may be the presenting manifestation of SLE. Its pathogenesis is often multifactorial. The outcome is usually favorable with corticosteroids.     

Utilité diagnostique de l’hypo-uricémie dans l’hyponatrémie par sécrétion inadéquate d’hormone antidiurétique

Purpose

Hypo-uricemia is still considered as a hallmark of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

Methods

We analyzed prospectively 98 hospitalized patients with hyponatremia (≤135 mmol/L), excluding those receiving diuretic treatment. Gold standard for the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone combined plasma hypoosmolality, inappropriately concentrated urine, and normal volemia.

Results

A final diagnosis of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone was obtained in 55 patients. They were significantly hypo-uricemic (188 μmol/L [153–245], median [interquartile range]) versus 241 μmol/L, [179–333]; p < 0,02) but hypo-uricemia (≤240 μmol/L) performed poorly as a diagnostic test: 71 % sensitivity, 53 % specificity. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1,67 and 0,49, respectively.

Conclusions

The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone is associated with a lower plasma uric acid concentration, but in routine clinical practice, contrary to what has been previously published, this difference is insufficient for hypouricemia to discriminate reliably between the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone and other causes of hyponatremia.     

Intérêt de l’échocardiographie trans-œsophagienne dans l’optimisation de la stratégie thérapeutique après un accident vasculaire cérébral ischémique

Aim of the study

In the setting of ischemic stroke, the place of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is still matter of debate. The aim of the study is to evaluate the therapeutic impact provided by TEE and to characterize patients in whom TEE is warranted.

Patients and method

Three hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients were included in the study. “Decisive TEE” (DTEE) was defined by echographic findings resulting in a change of treatment, whereas “informative TEE” (ITEE) was defined by TEE revealing a potential cardiac or aortic source of embolism.

Results

Three hundred and forty-one patients underwent TEE. Twenty-eight patients (8.2%) had DTEE and 184 (53.9%) had ITEE. DTEE were as follows: thrombus in the left atrial appendage in 6 patients, complex aortic plaques in 10 patients, patent foramen ovale (PFO) associated with atrial septal aneurism (ASA) and an important right to left shunt (3 patients), FOP associated with ASA and lower limb phlebitis (1 patient), 4 cases of endocarditis and 4 patients with intense spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium. In most cases of DTEE (67.8%), the patient was given anticoagulation drugs. Left atrial dilatation (P = 0.005) and multivessel territory stroke (P = 0.018) were statistically predictive of DTEE.

Conclusions

In the setting of ischemic stroke, TEE provides important additional informations, but modifies therapeutic strategy in less than 10% of cases. Multivessel territory stroke, and left atrial dilatation were predictive of DTEE.     

Caractéristiques clinicobiologiques des méningites à Enterovirus de l’adulte : étude de 59 cas

Purpose

To describe the epidemiological and clinical features of enteroviral meningitis as well as the biological profile of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

A retrospective study conducted in a single centre between 2004 and 2008. All aseptic meningitis due to Enterovirus were included.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were included. The triad including fever, headache and neck stiffness was reported in 62% of patients. Twelve patients (20%) had a neutrophilic leukocytosis and 23 (39%) an elevated CRP level. Twenty-eight patients (47%) had a prominent neutrophilic reaction in the CSF and nine (15.2%) had a low glucose concentration. A presumptive anti-bacterial treatment was initiated in 47 patients (80%) for an average of 3.2 days.

Conclusion

Due to the lack of specificity of clinical features and biological manifestations of Enterovirus meningitis, the widespread use of real-time Enterovirus PCR is a priority for reducing the number of unnecessary anti-bacterial treatment. Guidelines based on clinical and biological features may be associated to help physicians in the differential diagnosis between bacterial and viral meningitides.     

Registro Español de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista. XXI Informe Oficial de la Sección de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1990-2011)

Introduction and objectives

The Working Group on Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology presents a yearly report on the data collected for the national registry. This information shows how procedures are distributed throughout Spain and makes comparisons with other countries feasible.

Methods

Institutions provided their data voluntarily (online) and were analyzed by the Working Group's Steering Committee.

Results

Data were provided by 108 hospitals (72 public and 36 private) that mainly treat adults, Covering 138 480 diagnostic procedures, 123 746 of which were coronary angiograms, slightly more than the year before, with a rate of 3008 coronary angiograms per million population. Percutaneous coronary interventions decreased slightly to 63 202 procedures with a rate of 1373 interventions per million population. Of the 94 701 stents implanted, 61% were drug-eluting stents. In the acute phase of myocardial infarction, 15 491 coronary interventions were performed, 9.4% more than in 2010, representing 24.6% of the total number of coronary interventions. The most frequent intervention for adult congenital heart disease was atrial septal defect closure (298 procedures). Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty continued to decrease (286 procedures) and percutaneous aortic valve implantations increased, but at a slower pace than in the previous year, with 770 units implanted in 2011.

Conclusions

The greatest increase in activity has occurred in the field of myocardial infarction and percutaneous aortic valve implantation. The number of other procedures, both diagnostic and therapeutic, remained stable.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

Complications vasculaires de l’abord artériel fémoral : impact du système de fermeture percutanée Perclose

Introduction

Vascular complications at the femoral access site is an important factor of morbidity. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous closure device (Perclose) during interventional cardiology procedures.

Patients and methods

All patients with percutaneous closure of the femoral access site by the Perclose system in 2010 were included. We evaluated the indications of the procedures, the success rate of implantation and the bleeding complications according to antithrombotic therapy used.

Results

Three hundred and seventy five patients underwent a percutaneous closure by the Perclose system. Acute coronary syndromes with or without elevation of ST segment were the main indications of procedures (74.9%). The success rate of percutaneous closure of the femoral access site was 97.3%. The rate of minor, moderate, and severe bleeding of the entire cohort according to the GUSTO classification was respectively 4.2%, 0.5% and 1%. Bleeding complications were similar in both groups of patients (2.1% vs 7% P = 0.122). In case of unsuccessful deployment of femoral closure devices, the risk of bleeding complications range from 4.3% to 60% (P = 0.0000036).

Conclusion

The use of the Perclose system is associated with a low rate of severe bleeding at the femoral access site. However, the failures of percutaneous closure increase the risk of bleeding complications.