Abstract Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of known biomarkers as pre-operative predictors of complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) and perforated appendicitis (PA). Materials and methods: This was an observational, analytic, cross-sectional, and prospective study at Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo (August 2016-December 2017). Evaluated biomarkers: white blood cells count, neutrophil percentage (N%), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, glucose, total bilirubin, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin (PCT). The statistical analysis was performed by means of the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve estimation. Biomarkers' cutoff point was identified using Youden's index. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value (NPV) (positive predictive value [PPV] and NPV) were estimated. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight cases were included (median age 30 years, 44% female), 70 cases (54%) corresponded to CAA (PA 38/70). N% and PCT obtained an AUROC of 78% and 80% for CAA (PA 76% and 81%), respectively. A N% > 78.1% predicted CAA with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 82%, 62%, 72%, and 72% (> 74.9%, PA: 94%, 53%, 46%, and 96%), respectively. PCT > 0.14 ng/dL predicted CAA with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 69%, 79%, 80%, and 68% (PA: 84%, 69%, 53%, and 91%). Conclusion: The N% and PCT represent useful pre-operative biomarkers for discarding PA when an acute appendicitis is suspected.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de conocidos biomarcadores como predictores de apendicitis aguda complicada (AAC) y perforada (AP). Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, de recuperación prospectiva, realizado en el Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo (agosto de 2016 a diciembre de 2017). Biomarcadores evaluados: glóbulos blancos, porcentaje de neutrófilos (%N), índice neutrófilo/linfocito, glucosa, bilirrubina total, proteína C reactiva y procalcitonina (PCT). El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante estimación del área bajo la curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics). Se individualizó el valor de corte mediante el índice de Youden. Se estimaron la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y el valor predictivo negativo (VPN). Resultados: Se incluyeron 128 casos (mediana de edad 30 años, 44% mujeres), de los que 70 (54%) correspondieron a AAC (AP 38/70). El %N y la PCT obtuvieron un área ROC del 78% y el 80% para AAC (AP 76% y 81%), respectivamente. Un %N > 78.1% predijo AAC con una sensibilidad, una especificidad, un VPP y un VPN del 82%, 62%, 72% y 72% (> 74.9%, AP: 94%, 53%, 46% y 96%). Una PCT > 0.14 ng/dl predijo AAC con una sensibilidad, una especificidad, un VPP y un VPN del 69%, 79%, 80% y 68% (AP: 84%, 69%, 53% y 91%). Conclusión: El %N y la PCT constituyen biomarcadores útiles en el descarte de AP cuando se sospecha una apendicitis aguda.

Abstract Background: After appendectomy due to complicated acute appendicitis (CAA), there are some alternatives as antibiotic scheme: ciprofloxacin/metronidazole; as well as monoscheme based on carbapenems: ertapenem, meropenem, and imipenem. Aim: This study aims to prove the efficacy of carbapenems versus ciprofloxacin/metronidazole in CAA post-operative management in terms of preventing complications during post-operative period and decreasing hospital stay. Materials and methods: This was an observational, analytical, longitudinal, and prospective cohort study (March 2014-November 2016). Patients were classified into two groups, according to the prescribed antibiotic scheme: some carbapenems or ciprofloxacin/metronidazole. Results: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled. There was an requirement for antibiotic therapy rotation only in the ciprofloxacin/metronidazole (7/49, 14.3%; p = 0.004). Carbapenems reached a mean hospital stay of 4.45 days, in contrast with ciprofloxacin/metronidazole, 8.29 days (p = 0.020). In post-surgical follow-up, there were more cases of curative resolution in the group in the carbapenems group (35/49 vs. 15/49 p < 0.001) as well as a greater number of cases with some late infection in the ciprofloxacin/metronidazole group (1/49 vs. 10/49, p = 0.010). Conclusion: In the post-operative management of CAA, carbapenems represent an important indication to be considered as first-line antibiotic therapy.

Resumen Antecedentes: Tras la cirugía por apendicitis aguda complicada existen varias alternativas de esquema antibiótico, entre las que destacan ciprofloxacino/metronidazol, o bien monoterapia con algún carbapenémico, como ertapenem, meropenem e imipenem. Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de los carbapenémicos en comparación con ciprofloxacino/metronidazol en el manejo posquirúrgico de la apendicitis aguda complicada, en términos de prevención de complicaciones durante el posoperatorio y de reducción de la estancia hospitalaria. Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, longitudinal, prospectivo y de cohorte, de marzo de 2014 a noviembre de 2016. Los pacientes fueron clasificados en dos grupos según el esquema antibiótico prescrito: un carbapenémico o ciprofloxacino/metronidazol. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 98 pacientes. Solo hubo necesidad de rotación de antibiótico en el grupo de ciprofloxacino/metronidazol (7 de 49, 14.3%; p = 0.004). En el grupo de carbapenémico, la media de estancia hospitalaria fue de 4.45 días, y en el grupo de ciprofloxacino/metronidazol fue de 8.29 días (p = 0.020). En el seguimiento posquirúrgico hubo más casos de resolución curativa en el grupo de carbapenémico (35 de 49 vs. 15 de 49; p < 0.001), así como un mayor número de casos con alguna infección tardía en el grupo de ciprofloxacino/metronidazol (1 de 49 vs. 10 de 49; p < 0.001). Conclusión: En el manejo posquirúrgico de la apendicitis aguda complicada, los carbapenémicos representan una importante indicación que debe considerarse como antibioticoterapia de primera línea.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A dilatação por velas é considerada uma técnica eficaz para o tratamento de estenoses esofágicas benignas simples. A “regra de três” tem sido defendida para prevenir eventos adversos relatados, como sangramento e perfuração. No entanto, a adesão a esta regra aumentou o custo e a duração do tratamento. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a segurança e os benefícios de longo prazo das dilatações progressivas por velas até chegar a 15 mm (45Fr) em uma única sessão de endoscopia com não adesão à regra de três. MÉTODOS: Uma análise retrospectiva de dados coletados prospectivamente de pacientes com estenoses esofágicas benignas simples tratadas com múltiplos dilatadores de velas progressivas até atingir 15 mm (45Fr) em uma única sessão. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi de 58 anos (variação de 28-89) e 83,3% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino. O principal sintoma de apresentação foi a disfagia para sólidos em 11/12 casos (91,6%). A causa da estenose esofágica benigna simples foi distribuída como segue: 7/12 membranas esofágicas, 2/12 estenose péptica, 2/12 anéis de Schatzki e um ferimento cáustico. 75% necessitaram apenas de uma sessão para o sucesso clínico. Não foram descritos eventos adversos graves. Nenhum retorno dos sintomas foi anotado em uma continuação mediana de 20 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A regra de três em pacientes com as estenoses esofágicas benignas simples secundárias às membranas esofágicas, os anéis de Schatzki e as estenoses péptica tratadas com os dilatadores de Savary-Gilliard não é necessária, mostrando bons resultados clínicos. Estudos prospectivos com mais pacientes são necessários.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Bougies dilation is considered an effective technique for the treatment of simple benign esophageal strictures. The “rule of three” has been advocated to prevent reported adverse events such as bleeding and perforation. However, adherence to this rule has increased the cost and duration of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the safety and long-term benefits of progressive bougie dilations until reaching 15 mm (45Fr) in one single session endoscopy with non-adherence to the rule of three. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data of patients with simple benign esophageal strictures treated with multiple progressive bougie dilators until reaching 15 mm (45Fr) in one single session. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years (range 28-89), and 83.3% of patients were female. The main presenting symptom was dysphagia for solids in 11/12 cases (91.6%). The cause of their simple benign esophageal stricture was distributed as follows: 7/12 esophageal webs, 2/12 peptic stenosis, 2/12 Schatzki rings and one caustic injury. 75% required only one session for clinical success. No serious adverse events were described. No recurrence of symptoms was noted in a median follow-up of 20 months. CONCLUSION: The rule of three in patients with simple benign esophageal strictures secondary to esophageal webs, Schatzki rings and peptic strictures treated with Savary-Gilliard dilators is not necessary, showing good clinical results. Prospective studies with more patients are necessary.

Dieulafoy’s lesions are vascular anomalies that produce gastrointestinal bleeding of the mucosa from an abnormally long and tortuous submucosal artery. It is found predominately in the stomach (80%) and less frequently in the duodenum. They constitute the 6% of all non-variceal bleeding and the 1 to 2% of all gastrointestinal bleeding source. We report a case of a 60-year-old man with hematemesis, melena and signs of hypovolemic shock with a hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL. After adequate fluid resuscitation, an upper endoscopy showed an actively bleeding Dieulafoy lesion in the second portion of the duodenum. After epinephrine injection over lesion borders, an adequate hemostasis was not achieved. An over-the-scope clip was placed. Follow-up endoscopy 24 hours later showed an effective hemostasis and the patient was discharged without complications or re-bleeding.

Las lesiones de Dieulafoy se definen como una anomalía vascular que producen un sangrado en la mucosa proveniente de una arteria submucosa anormalmente larga y tortuosa que se ubican principalmente en estómago (80%), con poca frecuencia a nivel duodenal y constituyen el 6% de los sangrados gastrointestinales no asociados a varices y del 1% al 2% de todos los sangrados gastrointestinales. Reportamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 60 años que ingresó por hematemesis, melena y signos de hipovolemia con hemoglobina de 9 g/dl, que luego de realizar su compensación hemodinámica se le realizó una endoscopía alta que evidenció una lesión de Dieulafoy con sangrado activo severo en la segunda porción duodenal realizándosele inyección con adrenalina al 1:10 000 sobre los bordes de la lesión, pero al no lograrse una hemostasia adecuada se le tuvo que realizar la colocación de un clip ovesco con hemostasia efectiva que se corroboró 24 horas después, a través de una segunda endoscopía para poder egresar al paciente sin complicaciones, ni resangrado.