Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the performance of the BCID panel and to establish the impact of these results on the antimicrobial treatment of patients with bacteremia in 11 hospitals in Latin America. Three hundred and ninety-seven episodes of bacteremia were included and 551 microorganisms isolated from blood cultures were documented. Microbial identification was correct in 91.4% (504/551) of the isolates and in 98.6% (504/511) if only the microorganisms included in the BCID panel are considered. The sensitivity in the detection of the genes mecA, vanA/B and blaKPC was 100% and the specificity was 97%, 100% and 99.6% respectively. Early notification of the outcome allowed therapeutic changes in 242 episodes (60.9%). The BCID panel is a reliable and rapid method for the detection of critical resistance mechanisms and of the microorganisms most frequently isolated from bacteremia and it enables early optimisation of antimicrobial treatment.

Resumen Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar el desempeño del panel BCID de FilmArray® y establecer el impacto de estos resultados en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con bacteriemia en 11 hospitales de Latinoamérica. Se incluyeron 397 episodios de bacteriemia y se documentaron 551 microorganismos aislados de hemocultivos. La identificación microbiana fue correcta en el 91,4% (504/551) de los aislados y en el 98,6% (504/511) si se consideran solo los microorganismos incluidos en el panel BCID. La sensibilidad en la detección de los genes mecA, vanA/B y blaKPC fue del 100% y la especificidad fue del 97%, 100% y 99,6% respectivamente. La notificación temprana del resultado permitió cambios terapéuticos en 242 episodios (60,9%). El panel BCID es un método confiable y rápido para la detección de mecanismos críticos de resistencia y de los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados de bacteriemias y permite la optimización temprana del tratamiento antimicrobiano.

Resumo Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar o desempenho do painel BCID do FilmArray® e estabelecer o impacto desses resultados no tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com bacteremia em 11 hospitais da América Latina. Trezentos e noventa e sete episódios de bacteremia foram incluídos e 551 microrganismos isolados de hemoculturas foram documentados. A identificação microbiana foi correta em 91,4% (504/551) dos isolados e em 98,6% (504/511) considerando apenas os microrganismos incluídos no painel BCID. A sensibilidade na detecção dos genes mecA, vanA/B e blaKPC foi de 100% e a especificidade foi de 97%, 100% e 99,6% respectivamente. A notificação precoce do desfecho permitiu mudanças terapêuticas em 242 episódios (60,9%). O painel BCID é um método confiável e rápido para a detecção de mecanismos críticos de resistência e dos microrganismos mais frequentemente isolados da bacteremia e permite a otimização precoce do tratamento antimicrobiano.

ABSTRACT Classical swine fever (CSF), or hog cholera, is a highly contagious multisystemic viral disease that is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) because of the threat of its transboundary spread. It exclusively affects domestic and wild swine, with heterogeneous clinical and lesional signs, depending on host, virus and environmental factors, which complicate its epidemiological behavior. The prolonged endemism of the disease in Cuba and the systematic application of a live vaccine, modified from the Chinese Strain (produced by LABIOFAM), have led to positive selection processes on the circulating strains, which explain their classification in a new genotype 1.4 and the appearance of moderate to low virulence strains, which have aggravated the clinical suspicion of the cases. In addition, there is the presence of persistently infected pigs (pre- and postnatally), which do not respond to vaccination and constantly shed virus into the environment. In this scenario, the serological profile of pig populations from technified and semi-technified farms, with different productive system (closed and open cycle, and both combined), systematically subjected to vaccination was characterized in one province. Antibody detection against CSFV was carried out by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay) (ELISA CSFV Ab Test IDEXX 99-43220). There was a low level of population immunity in the territory with only 52.4 % of positive animals out of 7502 pigs tested. Pigs for reproductive replacement in genetic farms showed the highest percentage (79.27 %), even with respect to their progenitors. Fattener groups showed a lower frequency of positive animals compared to breeders, and in general, it was higher in technified farms (57.97 %) compared to semi-technified farms (45.1 %). Closed cycle farms showed a lower frequency of positive animals (48.2 %) compared to open and combined cycle farms. Pigs under semi-technified production conditions showed only 42.66 % of positive animals and there were differences depending on the farms of origin. These results may be associated both to the presence of unprotected animals due to vaccine failure at vaccination (33 ±3 days of age) in the presence of high maternal antibody titers, and to a high percentage of pre- or postnatally infected pigs that are immunotolerant and do not respond to the vaccine. These conditions favor CSF endemism in that territory and require the review of the strategies used to control the disease. An analysis of these results 10 years after this research was carried out is highlighted.

RESUMEN La peste porcina clásica (PPC), o cólera porcino, es una enfermedad viral multisistémica, altamente contagiosa y de notificación obligatoria a la Organización Mundial de la Salud Animal (OMSA) por la amenaza de su diseminación transfronteriza. Afecta exclusivamente a los suidos domésticos y salvajes, con signos clínicos y lesionales heterogéneos, dependientes de factores del huésped, el virus y el ambiente, que complican su comportamiento epidemiológico. El endemismo prolongado de la enfermedad en Cuba y la sistemática aplicación de la vacunación con una vacuna viva, modificada de la Cepa China (producida por LABIOFAM), han propiciado procesos de selección positiva sobre las cepas circulantes, que explican su clasificación en un nuevo genotipo 1.4 y la aparición de cepas de moderada a baja virulencia, que han complicado la sospecha clínica de los casos; además de la presencia de cerdos persistentemente infectados (pre y posnatalmente), que no responden a la vacunación y eliminan constantemente virus al ambiente. En este escenario, en una provincia de Cuba se caracterizó el perfil serológico de poblaciones de cerdos de granjas tecnificadas y semitecnificadas sometidas sistemáticamente a la vacunación con la vacuna viva modificada de la Cepa China de producción nacional. La detección de anticuerpos contra el virus de PPC se realizó mediante la técnica ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Inmunoabsorbent Assay) (ELISA CSFV Ab Test IDEXX 99-43220). Se constató un bajo nivel de inmunidad poblacional en el territorio con solo 52,4 % de animales positivos de los 7502 cerdos investigados. Los cerdos para reemplazo reproductivo en las granjas genéticas mostraron el mayor porcentaje (79,27 %), incluso respecto a sus progenitores. Las cebas mostraron menor frecuencia de animales positivos respecto a los reproductores, y en general fue mayor en granjas tecnificadas (57,97 %) respecto a semitecnificadas (45,1 %). Las granjas de ciclo cerrado mostraron menor frecuencia de positivos (48,2 %) respecto a las de ciclo abierto y combinado. Los cerdos en convenios productivos semitecnificados mostraron solo 42,66 % de animales positivos y hubo diferencias en dependencia de las granjas de origen. Estos resultados pueden estar asociados tanto a la presencia de animales desprotegidos por fallos vacunales a la vacunación (33 ±3 días de edad) ante la presencia de altos títulos de anticuerpos maternales, como a un alto porcentaje de cerdos infectados pre o posnatalmente que son inmunotolerantes y no responden al inmunógeno, condiciones que favorecen el endemismo de la PPC en ese territorio y requieren la revisión de las estrategias empleadas para el control de la enfermedad. Se resalta la importancia del análisis de estos resultados a 10 años de realizada esta investigación.

Resumen El panel BCID2 de BioFire® (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EE.UU.) utiliza un análisis de PCR múltiple a partir de hemocultivos positivos con resultados en una hora. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el desempeño del método a partir de hemocultivos positivos de pacientes sépticos en 5 hospitales de la Argentina. Se incluyeron 121 pacientes y 124 episodios. Con respecto a la identificación microbiana, la sensibilidad global y la correspondiente a los microorganismos incluidos en la base de datos fue del 94% y 97% respectivamente. La sensibilidad del BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B fue del 100% y la especificidad fue del 99% para NDM y VIM y del 100% para el resto. Esto llevó a cambios en el tratamiento antimicrobiano en 57/98 episodios (58%). El panel BCID2 es una herramienta importante para la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con sepsis.

Abstract The BioFire® BCID2 panel (BioFire, Salt Lake City, UT) uses multiplex PCR analysis from positive blood cultures with results within one hour. The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the method from positive blood cultures of septic patients in 5 hospitals in Argentina. A total of 121 patients and 124 episodes were included. With regard to microbial identification, the global sensitivity and that corresponding to the microorganisms included in the database was 94% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity of BCID2 to detect CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B was 100% and the specificity was 99% for NDM and VIM and 100% for the rest. This led to changes in antimicrobial treatment in 57/98 episodes (58%). The BCID2 panel is an important tool for the adequacy of antimicrobial treatment of patients with sepsis.

Resumo Estudo multicêntrico argentino sobre a utilidade do painel BCID2 do Sistema FilmArray™ na detecção de bacteremia O painel BCID2 de BioFire® B (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EUA) utiliza uma análise de PCR múltipla de hemoculturas positivas com resultados em uma hora. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o desempenho do método a partir de hemoculturas positivas de pacientes sépticos em 5 hospitais da Argentina. Cento e vinte e um pacientes e 124 episódios foram incluídos. No que se refere à identificação microbiana, a sensibilidade global e correspondente aos microrganismos incluídos na base de dados foi de 94% e 97%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade do BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B foi de 100% e a especificidade foi de 99% para NDM e VIM e 100% para o resto. Isso levou a mudanças no tratamento antimicrobiano em 57/98 episódios (58%). O painel BCID2 é uma ferramenta importante para a adequação do tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com sepse.

Resumen El panel BCID2 de BioFire® (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EE.UU.) utiliza un análisis de PCR múltiple a partir de hemocultivos positivos con resultados en una hora. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el desempeño del método a partir de hemocultivos positivos de pacientes sépticos en 5 hospitales de la Argentina. Se incluyeron 121 pacientes y 124 episodios. Con respecto a la identificación microbiana, la sensibilidad global y la correspondiente a los microorganismos incluidos en la base de datos fue del 94% y 97% respectivamente. La sensibilidad del BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B fue del 100% y la especificidad fue del 99% para NDM y VIM y del 100% para el resto. Esto llevó a cambios en el tratamiento antimicrobiano en 57/98 episodios (58%). El panel BCID2 es una herramienta importante para la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con sepsis.

Abstract The BioFire® BCID2 panel (BioFire, Salt Lake City, UT) uses multiplex PCR analysis from positive blood cultures with results within one hour. The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the method from positive blood cultures of septic patients in 5 hospitals in Argentina. A total of 121 patients and 124 episodes were included. With regard to microbial identification, the global sensitivity and that corresponding to the microorganisms included in the database was 94% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity of BCID2 to detect CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B was 100% and the specificity was 99% for NDM and VIM and 100% for the rest. This led to changes in antimicrobial treatment in 57/98 episodes (58%). The BCID2 panel is an important tool for the adequacy of antimicrobial treatment of patients with sepsis.

Resumo Estudo multicêntrico argentino sobre a utilidade do painel BCID2 do Sistema FilmArray™ na detecção de bacteremia O painel BCID2 de BioFire® B (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EUA) utiliza uma análise de PCR múltipla de hemoculturas positivas com resultados em uma hora. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o desempenho do método a partir de hemoculturas positivas de pacientes sépticos em 5 hospitais da Argentina. Cento e vinte e um pacientes e 124 episódios foram incluídos. No que se refere à identificação microbiana, a sensibilidade global e correspondente aos microrganismos incluídos na base de dados foi de 94% e 97%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade do BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B foi de 100% e a especificidade foi de 99% para NDM e VIM e 100% para o resto. Isso levou a mudanças no tratamento antimicrobiano em 57/98 episódios (58%). O painel BCID2 é uma ferramenta importante para a adequação do tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com sepse.

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative acute kidney injury contributes to longer hospital stays and increased costs related to cardiac surgery in the elderly. We analyse the influence of the patient’s age on risk factors for acute kidney injury after cardiac valve surgery. Methods: We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for acute kidney injury in 939 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery, between 2013 and 2018. Results: The prevalence of acute kidney injury was 19.5%. Hypertension (P=0.017); RR (95% CI): 1.74 (1.10-3.48), age ≥70 years (P=0.006); RR (95% CI): 1.79 (1.17-2.72), preoperative haematocrit <33% (P=0.009); RR (95% CI): 2.04 (1.19-3.48), glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P<0.0001); RR (95%) CI: 2.36 (1.54-3.62) and cardiac catheterization <8 days before surgery (P=0.021); RR (95% CI): 2.15 (1.12-4.11) were identified as independent risk factors. In patients older than 70 years, with no kidney disease diagnosed preoperatively, glomerular filtration rate <70 ml/min/1.73 m2, male gender, cardiopulmonary bypass time, preoperative haematocrit <36% and preoperative therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were risk factors for acute kidney injury after valve surgery. Conclusions: In elderly patients, postoperative acute kidney injury develops with higher values of preoperative glomerular filtration rate than those observed in a younger population. Preoperative correction of anaemia, discontinuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and surgical techniques reducing cardiopulmonary bypass time would be considered to reduce the prevalence of renal failure.

Meigs syndrome is a rare medical entity. It is defined by a triad of a benign ovarian tumor, ascites and pleural effusion that resolves after tumor resection. This syndrome in known since the 19th century, but its pathophysiology it stills unclear. It has a progressive incidence from the third decade of life until the menopausal age. Its clinical importance relays on the fact that it is a benign condition with an excellent prognosis, contrary to other ovarian malignancy with peritoneal and pleural metastasis. The present article aims to report a clinical case of Meigs syndrome.

Representatives of the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) and the Argentine Society of Intensive Therapy (SATI) joined together to issue specific recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of intravascular catheter related infections (CRI). The methodology used was the analysis of the literature published in the last 10 years, complemented with the opinion of experts and local data. This document aims to promote effective measures to reduce the risk of CRI and to offer basic tools for diagnosis optimization based on clinical and microbiological criteria, orientation on empirical and targeted antibiotic schemes, posology, and administration of antibiotics in critical patients. It also offers a diagnostic and treatment algorithm for use in the care activity, as well as considerations on the dosage of antibiotics. The joint work of both societies highlights the concern for the management of CRI and the importance of ensuring improvement in daily practices. Through this recommendation, local guidelines are established to optimize the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CRI in order to reduce morbidity and mortality, days of hospitalization, costs, and antimicrobial resistance.

Representantes de la Sociedad Argentina de Infectología (SADI) y la Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva (SATI) se reunieron para trabajar en la elaboración de recomendaciones concretas de diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de las infecciones asociadas a catéteres venosos centrales (IAC). La metodología utilizada fue el análisis de la bibliografía publicada en los últimos 10 años complementada con la opinión de expertos y datos locales. En este documento se pretende ofrecer herramientas básicas de optimización de diagnóstico sobre la base de criterios clínicos y microbiológicos, orientar acerca de los esquemas antibióticos empíricos y dirigidos, la posología y la administración de antibióticos en pacientes críticos, y promover las medidas efectivas para reducir el riesgo de IAC. Asimismo, se ofrece un algoritmo de diagnóstico y tratamiento para uso en la actividad asistencial y consideraciones sobre la dosificación de antibióticos. Este trabajo conjunto de infectólogos e intensivistas pone en evidencia la preocupación por el manejo de las IAC y la importancia de velar por la mejora en las prácticas cotidianas. A través de esta recomendación se establecen pautas locales para optimizar el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la prevención de las IAC con el objeto de disminuir la morbimortalidad, los días de internación, los costos y la resistencia antimicrobiana.

Abstract Forums are the best-established means of communication for online learning activities, as they respond to the needs, interests, demands and characteristics of each group, but the size of the group must be taken into consideration as this determines the strategies, content and dynamics used. This research analyzes the suitability of teaching strategies used over the course of five academic years in the forums of a first-year course with massive enrollment. A descriptive-explicative methodology is used to assess student participation from access rates, the length of time students stay on the forums, the number of student contributions and their content (relevance, clarity, etc.). The results confirm that forums are a means of interaction and reveal that in first-year courses with massive enrollment, the most adequate strategies are those that address social and emotional needs and include participation as a voluntary activity in course assessment.

Resumen En acciones formativas en línea el foro es la vía de comunicación más consolidada, ya que se adecua a las necesidades, intereses, demandas y características de cada grupo, pero también se debe tener en cuenta el tamaño del grupo que condiciona estrategias, contenido y dinámicas utilizadas. La presente investigación analiza, durante cinco cursos académicos, la pertinencia de las estrategias didácticas utilizadas en los foros de una asignatura de primer Grado con matrícula masiva. Con una metodología descriptiva-explicativa se valora la participación de los estudiantes a partir del número de accesos, permanencia y número de intervenciones y del contenido de estos (relevancia, claridad expositiva, etc.). Los resultados confirman el foro como medio de interacción. Los resultados arrojan que en primeros cursos universitarios con matrícula masiva, la estrategia más adecuada es la que atiende necesidades sociales y afectivas y la inclusión de la participación como actividad voluntaria en la evaluación de la asignatura.

Infectious due to methicillin-resistant community acquired Staphylococcus aureus is a public health problem of varying magnitude in different geographical areas of the world, representing a major burden on health systems. The debate on the initial empiric antibiotic therapy remains open. We present a case series of hospitalized patients with severe Staphylococcus aureus infections admitted to the pediatric intermediate care unit of Hospital El Cruce. Between May 2008 and December 2010, 43 patients were admitted. Sixty nine percent of isolated Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant. Although the difference was not statistically significant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections required more days of hospitalization in critical care unit and developed more secondary sites of infection. Vancomycin, rifampicin and clindamycin were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. There was a high resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to p-lactams in the series.

La aparición de infecciones por Staphylococcus aureus (SA) meticilino-resistente (MR) de la comunidad es un problema de salud pública de variable magnitud en diferentes áreas geográficas del mundo. El debate acerca del tratamiento antibiótico empírico inicial permanece abierto. Nuestro objetivo es presentar una serie de pacientes hospitalizados con infecciones graves por Staphyloccocus aureus en la Unidad de Cuidados Intermedios Pediátricos del Hospital El Cruce. Entre mayo de 2008 y diciembre de 2010, se internaron 43 pacientes. El 69,8% de los SA aislados fueron MR. Aunque la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa, las infecciones por SAMR requirieron mayor cantidad de días de internación en terapia intensiva y desarrollaron más focos secundarios de infección. Vancomicina, rifampicina y clindamicina fueron los antibióticos más comúnmente prescritos. Existió una alta resistencia de los SA a los p-lactámicos en la serie estudiada.

O objetivo de avaliar a utilidade da Procalcitonina e Proteína C-Reativa em pacientes pediátricos com suspeita de infecção bacteriana ou sepse na admissão na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UTIP) e posterior acompanhamento e prognóstico de hospitalização prolongada ou morte em um hospital de terceiro nível. Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo observacional, único centro. Ponto final primário: foi considerado um ponto final combinado de óbito hospitalar ou hospitalização prolongada na UTIP (mais de 12 dias). Foi dosada Procalcitonina (VIDAS ® BRAHMS PCT) e PCR (ensaio turbidimétrico BT 3000) na admissão e no terceiro dia de internação e foi calculado como se aclararam ambos os marcadores. Dos 41 pacientes, 24 (58%) morreram ou tiveram internação prolongada. A aclaração do PCT e PCR no terceiro dia foi significativamente associado a menor mortalidade e menor tempo de internação em UTI (p=0,01 para PCT, p=0,0036 para PCR). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,773 para PCR e PCT foi 0,735, sem diferença significativa entre as duas curvas. Não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos para os valores de PCT e renda PCR (p=0,82 e p=0,95 respectivamente). Concluiu-se que os valores de aclaração de ambos os marcadores podem ser uma ferramenta útil para o prognóstico clínico.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the usefulness of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in pediatric patients with suspected bacterial infection or sepsis on admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and subsequent monitoring and prognosis of prolonged hospitalization or death in a third level hospital. A prospective observational, single center study was performed and a combined endpoint of hospital death or prolonged hospitalization in the PICU (over 12 days) was considered as primary end point. Values of Procalcitonin (VIDAS ® BRAHMS PCT) and PCR (BT turbidimetric 3000) were obtained on admission and on the third day of hospitalization and clearance of both markers was calculated. Out of 41 patients, 24 (58%) died or had prolonged hospitalization. PCT and CRP clearance on the third day was significantly associated with lower mortality and shorter hospital stays in PICU (p=0.01 for PCT, p=0.0036 for PCR). The area under the ROC curve was 0.773 for CRP and PCT was 0.735, with no significant difference between both curves. No significant differences were observed between both groups for the PCT and CRP values at admission (p=0,82 and p=0,95 respectively). It can be concluded that clearance values of both markers can be a useful tool for clinical prognosis.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la utilidad de la Procalcitonina (PCT) y Proteina C Reactiva (PCR) en pacientes pediatricos con sospecha de infeccion bacteriana o sepsis al ingreso a la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica (UTIP) y posterior seguimiento como pronostico de internacion prolongada o muerte en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se realizo un estudio prospectivo observacional, unicentrico. Punto final primario: se considero un punto final combinado de muerte hospitalaria o internacion prolongada en la UTIP (mayor de 12 dias). Se dosaron Procalcitonina (VIDASR BRAHMS PCT) y PCR (Ensayo turbidimetrico BT 3000) al ingreso y al tercer dia de internacion y se calculo el aclaramiento de ambos marcadores. De 41 pacientes, 24 (58%) fallecieron o tuvieron internacion prolongada. El aclaramiento de PCT y PCR al tercer dia se asocio significativamente con menos mortalidad y menos dias de Internacion en UTIP (p=0,01 para PCT; p=0,0036 para PCR). El area bajo la curva ROC de PCR fue 0,773 y de PCT 0,735, sin diferencias significativas entre ambas curvas, No hubo diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos para los valores al ingreso de PCT y PCR (p=0,82 y p=0,95 respectivamente). Se concluye que los valores del aclaramiento de ambos marcadores pueden ser una herramienta util para el pronostico clinico.

Introduction: The access puncture technique, as well as affecting survival, is a cause for anxiety and discomfort for the patient. There are three puncture techniques: rope-ladder, area and buttonhole. Studies carried out on this last method associate it to a reduction in pain and the complications associated to puncture. Aim: To introduce the buttonhole puncture method in our Unit. Methodology: Observational descriptive study, carried out at our haemodialysis unit. All the patients on haemodialysis with a healthy and non-prosthetic arteriovenous fistula were included in this study. The sample will be 35 randomized patients with a monitoring period of 6 months. Prior to commencing the study, nursing staff were trained in the technique and a specific puncture protocol was created. All the variables to be analysed are recorded at each haemodialysis session. Descriptive statistics is applied for the Student t variable for the difference between means and x² and Fisher's exact test for the proportions, where p<0.05 is considered significant. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. SPSS 14.0. statistical package. Results: The sensation of pain during puncture and bleeding time were reduced significantly in all patients. No complications occurred during the study period. Conclusions: The buttonhole puncture technique reduces the pain perceived by the patient, giving greater satisfaction. The buttonhole puncture technique is a good alternative for accesses that are not well developed or have puncture problems, favouring self-puncture and home haemodialysis options.

Introducción: La técnica de punción del acceso, además de influir en la supervivencia de éste, es motivo de ansiedad y disconfort para el paciente. Existen tres técnicas de punción: escalera, área de punción y Buttonhole. Estudios realizados sobre esta última la asocian con disminución de dolor y de las complicaciones asociadas a la punción. Objetivo: Introducción del método de punción Buttonhole en nuestra Unidad. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo observacional, realizado en nuestra unidad de hemodiálisis. Se han incluido en este estudio todos los pacientes de hemodiálisis portadores de fístula arterio-venosa sana y no protésica. La muestra será de 35 pacientes randomizados aleatoriamente con un periodo de seguimiento de 6 meses. Previamente al inicio del estudio enfermería se formó en la técnica y se creó un protocolo de punción específico. Cada hemodiálisis se recogen todas las variables a analizar en una hoja de registro. Se aplica estadística descriptiva para las variables. tde Student para la diferencia entre medias y x² y prueba exacta de Fisher para la de proporciones, considerando significativo p<0.05. Análisis de la supervivencia Kaplan-Meier. Paquete estadístico SPSS 14.0. Resultados: La sensación de dolor durante la punción y el tiempo de hemostasia han disminuido significativamente en todos los pacientes. Durante el periodo del estudio no se ha producido ninguna complicación. Conclusiones: La técnica Buttonhole disminuye el dolor percibido por el paciente comportando una mayor satisfacción. El Buttonhole es una buena alternativa para accesos poco desarrollados o con problemas de punción favoreciendo las opciones de auto-punción y hemodiálisis domiciliaria.

The analysis of DNA damage by mean of Comet or single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay has been commonly used to assess genotoxic impact in aquatic animals being able to detect exposure to low concentrations of contaminants in a wide range of species. The aims of this work were 1) to evaluate the usefulness of the Comet to detect DNA strand breakage in dolphin leukocytes, 2) to use the DNA diffusion assay to determine the amount of DNA strand breakage associated with apoptosis or necrosis, and 3) to determine the proportion of DNA strand breakage that was unrelated to apoptosis and necrosis. Significant intra-individual variation was observed in all of the estimates of DNA damage. DNA strand breakage was overestimated because a considerable amount (~29%) of the DNA damage was derived from apoptosis and necrosis. The remaining DNA damage in dolphin leukocytes was caused by factors unrelated to apoptosis and necrosis. These results indicate that the DNA diffusion assay is a complementary tool that can be used together with the Comet assay to assess DNA damage in bottlenose dolphins.