Abstract Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by chronic ulcers due to an abnormal immune response. Despite the existence of diagnostic criteria, there is no gold standard for diagnosis or treatment. In Latin America, recognizing and treating pyoderma gangrenosum is even more challenging since skin and soft tissue bacterial and non-bacterial infections are common mimickers. Therefore, this review aims to characterize reported cases of pyoderma gangrenosum in this region in order to assist in the assessment and management of this condition. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are the countries in Latin America that have reported the largest cohort of patients with this disease. The most frequent clinical presentation is the ulcerative form and the most frequently associated conditions are inflammatory bowel diseases, inflammatory arthropaties, and hematologic malignancies. The most common treatment modalities include systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Other reported treatments are methotrexate, dapsone, and cyclophosphamide. Finally, the use of biological therapy is still limited in this region.

Abstract: Background: Previous studies have shown oxidative stress in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, nevertheless, it remains unknown whether a similar response is characteristic of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Peru. Objectives: To determine the oxidative stress response in endemic pemphigus foliaceus patients and subjects with positive for anti-desmoglein1 antibodies (anti-dsg1) from endemic areas of Peru. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population included 21 patients with Endemic Pemphigus foliaceus and 12 healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies from the Peruvian Amazon (Ucayali), as well as 30 healthy control subjects. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation by free radicals, was measured in serum. Results: We collected 21 cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus, 15 of them with active chronic disease and 6 in clinical remission. Serum malondialdehyde values in patients with chronic active evolution and healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies were statistically higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between serum values of localized and generalized clinical forms. Study limitations: The main limitation of this present study is the small number of patients with endemic pemphigus and healthy subjects positive for desmoglein 1 antibodies. Conclusions: The increased serum levels of malondialdehyde in patients with chronic active endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects from endemic areas with anti-dsg1 antibodies may suggest a contribution of systemic lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Peruvian purple corn (Zea mays) administration in serum lipids levels reduction (hypolipidemic effect) in non hypertensive diabetic patients with dyslipidemia; to compare hypolipidemic effect of Peruvian purple corn and simvastatin. Design: Clinical essay. Setting: Instituto de Investigaciones Clinicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Participants: Non hypertensive dyslipidemic diabetic patients. Interventions: Between January and October 2006 two groups of 15 non hypertensive dyslipidemic diabetic patients were randomly formed, patients with recent diagnosis, without previous treatment and without chronic complications; one group recieved simvastatin 40 mg/day and the other group Peruvian purple corn (dehydrated and micropulverized pills 1g/day) for 30 days. Patients had low fat diet with weekly nutritional evaluation and received conventional hypoglicemic treatment with glibenclamide. Serum lipids, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, hepatic and renal function tests were done before and after treatment. Statistical analysis used Student t test with 95% confidence interval. Main outcome measures: Serum cholesterol, triglycerids and glucose levels variation. Results: There was reduction in both groups of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting glucose serum levels; HDL cholesterol serum levels increased. Comparing basal and post treatment results for purple corn, there was significant reduction of triglycerides levels and significant increase of HDL cholesterol. In the simvastatin group there was significant statistical reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol compared with basal levels. Compared with simvastatin purple corn optimized glucose control more significantly. There was significant statistical difference for post treatment values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in favor of the group that received simvastatin compared with purple corn. Conclusions: At doses studied Peruvian purple corn was effective in reducing triglyceride levels, increasing HDL cholesterol and optimizing glucose control in non hypertensive diabetic patients. Simvastatin was more efficacious than Peruvian purple corn in treatment of dyslipidemia without important effects on glycemia.

Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia de la administración del maíz morado (Zea mays) en la reducción de los niveles de lípidos séricos (efecto hipolipemiante) en pacientes diabéticos no hipertensos con dislipidemia. Comparar el efecto hipolipemiante del maíz morado con simvastatina. Diseño: Ensayo clínico. Institución: Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Pacientes diabéticos dislipidémicos no hipertensos. Intervenciones: Entre enero y octubre 2006, se formó aleatoriamente dos grupos de investigación de 15 pacientes diabéticos dislipidémicos no hipertensos, de diagnóstico reciente, sin tratamiento previo y sin complicaciones crónicas; un grupo recibió simvastatina 40 mg/día y el otro grupo maíz morado (comprimidos deshidratados y micropulverizados 1g/día), por un período de 30 días. Los pacientes paralelamente realizaron dieta hipograsa con evaluación nutricional semanal y recibieron el tratamiento hipoglicemiante convencional con glibenclamida. Se realizó dosaje basal y postratamiento de lípidos séricos, glucosa basal, hemoglobina glicosilada, pruebas de función hepática y renal. El análisis estadístico se efectuó con la prueba t de student, con un intervalo de confianza de 95%. Principales medidas de resultados: Modificación de los valores séricos de colesterol, triglicéridos y glucosa. Resultados: Se observó que en ambos grupos se produjo reducción en los valores séricos de colesterol total, colesterol LDL, triglicéridos y glucosa en ayunas; asimismo, aumento de los niveles séricos de colesterol HDL. Al compararse los resultados basales y postratamiento para maíz morado, se encontró reducción significativa de los valores de triglicéridos y aumento significativo del colesterol HDL. Para el grupo tratado con simvastatina, hubo reducción estadísticamente significativa del colesterol total, colesterol LDL, triglicéridos y aumento estadísticamente significativo del colesterol HDL, en comparación con los valores basales. El maíz morado mostró optimizar el control de la glucosa, efecto muy superior y estadísticamente significativo en comparación con la simvastatina. Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa para los valores postratamiento de colesterol total, colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL y triglicéridos a favor del grupo que recibió simvastatina en comparación con el que recibió maíz morado. Conclusiones: A la dosis estudiada, el maíz morado mostró ser eficaz para reducir los niveles de triglicéridos, aumentar el colesterol HDL y optimizar el control de la glucosa en pacientes diabéticos no hipertensos. Simvastatina fue más eficaz que el maíz morado en el tratamiento de la dislipidemia, sin efectos importantes sobre la glicemia.

FUNDAMENTO: Associações significativas entre fatores climáticos e saúde humana têm sido descritas, inclusive na área de Dermatologia. OBJETIVO: Determinar a influência de fatores climáticos no tratamento de doenças dermatológicas em um hospital em Lima (Peru). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional realizado em um hospital em Lima entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2007. Os diagnósticos foram classificados de acordo com o sistema ICD-10. Informações climáticas foram fornecidas pela "National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration" (NOAA - USA). RESULTADOS: 3.294 pacientes participaram do estudo. A idade media foi 35.4 ± 20.7 anos e 53,2% eram mulheres. O fenômeno "El Niño" foi associado a um aumento da prevalência de queratose actínica (p=0,002), verrugas virais (p=0,001) e rosácea (p=0,014). O fenômeno "La Niña" foi associado a diminuição das verrugas virais (p=0,026). A primavera foi associada a um aumento de dermatite (p=0,003) e o verão, a um aumento de tumores benignos (p=0,049). CONCLUSÃO: Variações climáticas influenciam o aparecimento de algumas doenças dermatológicas. O presente trabalho pode orientar especialistas e clínicos gerais por meio da identificação dos diagnósticos dermatológicos mais comuns e, consequentemente, prepará-los para tratar doenças sazonais.

BACKGROUND: Significant associations have been described between climatic factors and human health, which can occur in dermatologic diseases too. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the climatic factors on the medical attentions of dermatologic diseases in a general hospital in Lima (Peru). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study which was carried out in a national hospital between January 2004 and December 2007. The diagnoses were classified according to the ICD-10 system. The climate information was provided by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration from USA(NOAA). RESULTS: 3 294 patients were included in the study, the average age was 35.4 ± 20.7 years old, and 53.2% were females. The "El Niño" phenomenon was associated with an increase in the prevalence of actinic keratosis (p=0.002), viral warts (p=0.001) and rosacea (p=0.014). The "La Niña" phenomenon was associated with a reduction in viral warts (p=0.026). Spring was associated with an increase of dermatitis (p=0.003), and summer was associated with an increase of benign neoplasms (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The climatic variations influenced the occurrence of certain dermatologic diseases. The present study may represent an orientation guide to specialists and general practitioners identifying the most common dermatologic diagnoses and thus enabling better preparation to treat these cases in determined seasons of the year.

Nós reportamos o caso de um paciente peruano immunocompetente proveniente dos Andes com história de um mês com meningoencefalite. Foi identificado o Cryptococcus gattii na cultura de liquido cerebrospinal através da assimilação de D-prolina e D-tryptofano como fonte única de nitrogênio. Inicialmente, o paciente recebeu tratamento antifúngico intravenoso com amfotericina B. O paciente foi liberado 29 dias depois da hospitalização, seguindo tratamento oral durante 10 semanas com fluconazol. Durante este período, o paciente apresentou melhoria clinica e uma leve fraqueza residual direita. Com o reporte do caso, nós confirmamos a existência desse microorganismo como agente infeccioso em nosso país.

We report a case of an immunocompetent Peruvian patient from the Andes with a one-month history of meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcus gattii was identified from a cerebrospinal fluid culture through assimilation of D-proline and D-tryptophan as the single nitrogen source. Initially, the patient received intravenous antifungal therapy with amphotericin B. The patient was discharged 29 days after hospitalization and continued with oral fluconazole treatment for ten weeks. During this period, the patient showed clinical improvement with slight right-side residual weakness. Through this case report, we confirm the existence of this microorganism as an infectious agent in Peru.

To determine the influence of waiting time on customer´s satisfaction in the central pharmacy of the Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo (HNDM), we conducted a cross-sectional study which recorded the times of each sub process of care (billing, payment in cash and delivery of drugs) through direct observation of users. We evaluated the level of user’s satisfaction using a Likert scale. We included 150 users, 59% were women, and its average age was 41.4 ± 12.6 years. The average total waiting time was 37.1 ± 14.7 minutes. The waiting time was significantly higher in the sub billing process (p <0.001) and also the time that users took long queues was higher than the actual time (30.1 ± 14.0 versus 6.3 ± 4.4; p <0.001). 17.3% of the users of the central pharmacy of HNDM showed some degree of satisfaction. The waiting time that it is less than 20 minutes was a predictor of user satisfaction (OR: 4.6 [1.1-18.3], p <0.05) regardless of other factors. In conclusion, we can say that the long waiting time principally in the sub billing process, determines a low level of user satisfaction in the central pharmacy of HNDM.

Para determinar la influencia del tiempo de espera sobre la satisfacción del usuario en la farmacia central del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo (HNDM), se realizó un estudio transversal donde se registró los tiempos de espera por cada subproceso de atención (facturación, pago en caja y entrega de medicamentos) mediante la observación directa de los usuarios. Se evaluó el nivel de satisfacción del usuario según una escala Likert. Se incluyó 150 usuarios, 59% fueron mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 41,4±12,6 años. El promedio de tiempo total de espera fue de 37,1±14,7 minutos. El tiempo de espera fue significativamente mayor en el subproceso de facturación (p<0,001); asimismo el tiempo que los usuarios tardaron en hacer colas fue mayor que el tiempo efectivo (30,1±14.0 frente a 6,3±4,4; p<0,001). El 17,3% de los usuarios de la farmacia central del HNDM mostraron algún grado de satisfacción. El tiempo de espera menor a 20 minutos fue un predictor de satisfacción del usuario (OR: 4,6 [1,1-18,3]; p<0,05) independientemente de los otros factores. En conclusión, el tiempo de espera prolongado principalmente en el subproceso de facturación, condiciona un bajo nivel de satisfacción del usuario en la farmacia central del HNDM.

Objective. To describe the surgical, clinical and epidemiological characteristics in patients with pulmonary hydatid in the Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo. Material and methods. Descriptive, retrospective and observational study. The studied population was patients with the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid, operated and registered in the Program of Torax and Cardiovascular Surgery of the Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo from January 2003 to December 2005. 113 clinical records and surgical reports were reviewed; clinical, epidemiological and surgical characteristics, intraoperatory and postoperatory morbidity/mortality as well as six-month follow up after the surgical treatment were recorded. Results. 113 patients were enrolled, 50.4% female, 15.9% were from Lima Metropolitana and the main symptom was thoracic pain. The principal surgical approach was the posterolateral toracotomy (97.3%). The surgical techniques used were pulmonary resection (52.2%), preservative surgery (40.7%) and mixed technique (7.1%). Pulmonary hydatidosis with intrapulmonary involvement was present in 4.5% and extrapulmonary involvement in 25.7%. Complicated cysts were in 80.5% of cases. There were intraoperatives surgical complications in 73.4% and postoperative complications in 22.1%. Conclusions. Patients were young adults, mainly rural immmigrants or people in transit, frequently with risk factors for hydatid. Intra-operatory complications were more frequent and unusual than postoperatory complications, but had no impact on the patients’ mortality

Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y quirúrgicas de los pacientes con hidatidosis pulmonar en el Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y observacional. La población estuvo constituida por todos los casos de hidatidosis pulmonar diagnosticados, operados y controlados en el Programa de Cirugía de Tórax y Cardiovascular del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo entre enero 2003 y diciembre 2005. Se revisó las historias clínicas y el reporte operatorio de 113 casos estudiándose sus características clínicas, epidemiológicas, quirúrgicas, morbimortalidad intraoperatoria y postoperatoria, evolución postoperatoria y seguimiento luego de seis meses de realizado el tratamiento quirúrgico. Resultados. Se captó 113 pacientes, 50,4% fueron mujeres, 15,9% procedía de Lima Metropolitana y el síntoma principal fue el dolor torácico. El abordaje quirúrgico fue realizado principalmente mediante toracotomía posterolateral (97,3%). Las técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas fueron la resección pulmonar (52,2%), cirugía preservadora (40,7%) y técnica mixta (7,1%). La hidatidosis pulmonar con compromiso intratorácico concomitante se observó en el 4,5% y con compromiso extratorácico en el 25,7%. En el 80,5% de casos el quiste se encontraba complicado; se presentaron complicaciones intraoperatorias en el 73,4 % y postoperatorias en el 22,1%. Conclusiones. Los pacientes son predominantemente adultos jóvenes que se encuentran en condición de migrante o de tránsito en la ciudad de Lima, a menudo con antecedentes epidemiológicos. Son frecuentes las complicaciones intraoperatorias y menos frecuentes las postoperatorias las cuales una vez superadas no tienen repercusión en la mortalidad de los pacientes.

Introduction: endemic pemphigus foliaceus (PFE) has been described at the beginning of the 50s in the peruvian forest. In 2006,Ortega & col. reported the presence of desmoglein 1 antibodies in Pueblo Libre, Ucayali. Nevertheless, immune reports does not exist on patients’ relatives with PFE in the zone. Objetives: to compare the immunopathologic profiles of healthy subjects from Pueblo Libre (an area in Ucayali, endemic for pemphigus foliaceus), with healthy relatives of patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) and healthy controls from non-endemic areas. Materials and methods: this is a prospective multicentric study performed from June to August 2006. The sample consisted of 41 healthy subjects from the Pueblo Libre community, 11 relatives of EPF patients and 20 healthy subjects from non-endemic areas. Blood samples were obtained for immunopathologic studies (ELISA technique for antibodies against desmoglein-1 and desmoglein- 3). The immunopathologic profiles of each group were compared. Standardization of ELISA was performed using the analysis of receptor operative characteristics (ROC) to find appropriate cut-off values. Results: in Pueblo Libre, the prevalence of antibodies against desmoglein-1 was 46,3%. The predominant pattern was 56,3% for IgG1 and 62,5% for IgG2. Antibodies against desmoglein-3 were found in 31,7% of the sample. A high correlation was found between the index values of antibodies against desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3. (r=0.76); this is statistically significant, with an alpha = 0,001. The frequency of antibodies against desmoglein-1 was 45,5% in the relatives of EPF patients; the predominant pattern was 63,6% for IgG1 and 54,5% for IgG2. Antibodies against desmoglein-1 were detected in two healthy subjects from non-endemic areas; antibodies against desmoglein-3 were not detected. Conclusion: healthy subjects who are exposed to environmental factors in a focus of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and the relatives of patients with EPF develop non-pathogenic antibodies against desmoglein-1 and -3 with similar immunologic profiles.

Introducción: el pénfigo foliáceo endémico (PFE) ha sido descrito a principios de los años 50 en la selva peruana. En el 2006, Ortega y col. reportaron la presencia de anticuerpos anti-desmogleina 1 en Pueblo Libre, Ucayali. Sin embargo, no existen reportes inmunológicos sobre los familiares de pacientes con PFE en la zona. Objetivos: comparar las características inmunopatológicas de los sujetos sanos de Pueblo Libre (Campo Verde-Ucayali) endémico para pénfigo foliáceo, con familiares sanos de pacientes con PFE y controles sanos de áreas no endémicas. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico realizado de junio a agosto del 2006 que incluyó a 41 sujetos sanos de la comunidad de Pueblo Libre, 11 familiares de pacientes con PFE y 20 sujetos sanos de áreas no endémicas de la enfermedad de los que se obtuvo muestras de sangre para la realización del estudio inmunopatológico (ELISA para anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1 y anti desmogleína 3) comparándose las características de cada grupo de investigación. Para fijar los valores de corte se realizó la estandarización del ELISA usando el análisis de características operativas del receptor (ROC). Resultados: en Pueblo Libre se encontró una prevalencia de anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1 de 46,3%. El patrón predominante fue el IgG2 (62,5%) y el IgG1 (56,3%). En el 31,7% se detectó anticuerpos anti-desmogleína 3. Existió alta correlación entre los valores índice de anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1 y anti desmogleína 3 (r=0,76), significativa a un nivel α=0,01. Para los familiares de los pacientes con PFE, el 45,5% fueron positivos para anticuerpos anti-desmogleνna 1 con un patrσn predominante IgG1 (63,6%) e IgG2 (54,5%). Se detectó anticuerpos anti-desmogleína 1 en el 10 % de sujetos sanos de áreas no endémicas; no se detectó anticuerpos anti desmogleína 3 en este grupo. Conclusiones: las personas sanas expuestas a factores ambientales de los focos endémicos de PFE y los familiares de pacientes desarrollan anticuerpos no patogénicos anti desmogleína 1 y 3 con características inmunopatológicas similares.