ABSTRACT Background: Multiple sclerosis exhibits specific neuropathological phenomena driving to both global and regional brain atrophy. At the clinical level, the disease is related to functional decline in cognitive domains as the working memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. However, the compromise of social-cognitive abilities has concentrated some interest in recent years despite the available evidence suggesting the risk of disorganization in social life. Recent studies have used the MiniSEA test to assess the compromise of social cognition and have found relevant relationships with memory and executive functions, as well as with the level of global and regional brain atrophy. Objective: The present article aimed to identify structural changes related to socio-cognitive performance in a sample of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Methods: 68 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Chilean patients and 50 healthy control subjects underwent MRI scans and neuropsychological evaluation including social-cognition tasks. Total brain, white matter, and gray matter volumes were estimated. Also, voxel-based morphometry was applied to evaluate regional structural changes. Results: Patients exhibited lower scores in all neuropsychological tests. Social cognition exhibited a significant decrease in this group mostly related to the declining social perception. Normalized brain volume and white matter volume were significantly decreased when compared to healthy subjects. The regional brain atrophy analysis showed that changes in the insular cortex and medial frontal cortices are significantly related to the variability of social-cognitive performance among patients. Conclusions: In the present study, social cognition was only correlated with the deterioration of verbal fluency, despite the fact that previous studies have reported its link with memory and executive functions. The identification of specific structural correlates supports the comprehension of this phenomenon as an independent source of cognitive disability in these patients.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La esclerosis múltiple presenta fenómenos neuropatológicos específicos que conducen a la atrofia cerebral global y regional. A nivel clínico, la enfermedad está relacionada con el deterioro funcional de los dominios cognitivos como la memoria de trabajo, la velocidad de procesamiento y la fluidez verbal. Sin embargo, el compromiso de las habilidades socio-cognitivas ha concentrado cierto interés en los últimos años debido a la evidencia disponible que sugiere el riesgo de desorganización en la vida social. Estudios recientes han utilizado la prueba MiniSEA para evaluar el compromiso de la cognición social y han encontrado relaciones relevantes con la memoria y funciones ejecutiva, así como con el nivel de atrofia cerebral global y regional. Objetivo: El presente artículo tiene como objetivo identificar cambios estructurales relacionados con el rendimiento sociocognitivo en una muestra de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple recurrente-remitente. Métodos: 68 pacientes Chilenos con esclerosis múltiple recurrente-remitente y 50 sujetos de control sanos se sometieron a resonancias magnéticas y evaluación neuropsicológica, incluidas las tareas de cognición social. Se estimaron los volúmenes cerebrales totales, de materia blanca y materia gris. Además, se aplicó la morfometría basada en vóxel para evaluar los cambios estructurales regionales. Resultados: Los pacientes muestran puntuaciones más bajas en todas las pruebas neuropsicológicas. La cognición social exhibe una disminución significativa en este grupo principalmente relacionada con la disminución de la percepción social. El volumen normalizado del cerebro y el volumen de la materia blanca disminuyeron significativamente en comparación con los sujetos sanos. El análisis regional de atrofia cerebral mostró que los cambios en la corteza insular y la corteza frontal medial están significativamente relacionados con la variabilidad del rendimiento sociocognitivo entre los pacientes. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio, la cognición social sólo se correlacionó con el deterioro de la fluencia verbal, a pesar de que estudios previos han reportado su vinculación con la memoria y funciones ejecutivas. La identificación de correlatos estructurales específicos apoya la comprensión de este fenómeno como una fuente independiente de discapacidad cognitiva en estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of educational videos to improve the practical skills and knowledge of stroke patients' informal caregivers. Materials and methods: Pretest/posttest study. The participants were 10 caregivers aged 18 to 65 years and of both sexes of patients in the subacute phase of stroke. We developed eight educational videos related to positioning, mobilizations and transfers, which were implemented in the caregivers’ and/or patients’ homes along three days (on the first day, three videos; second day, three videos; and third day, two videos). Each video was viewed on a tablet for 30 minutes. We evaluated skills and knowledge before and after each video, and finally, the caregivers’ satisfaction. We used three instruments, a checklist to assess practical skills, a questionnaire to assess knowledge, and another for satisfaction. Results: The practical skills score increased from 21,6 to 56,1 points (p <0,001) and knowledge from 11,6 to 21,6 points (p <0,001). 7/10 of the caregivers were very satisfied with the videos, 7/10 considered the words easy, 7/10 considered easy to put the indications into practice, 9/10 would definitely recommend the videos, and everyone considered them useful. Conclusion: Educational videos improve the practical skills and knowledge of stroke informal caregivers. Developed educational videos could be successful in training caregivers on the management of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de videos educativos para mejorar las habilidades prácticas y conocimientos de los cuidadores informales de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Materiales y métodos: Estudio pretest/postest. Los participantes fueron diez cuidadores de 18 a 65 años y de ambos sexos de pacientes en fase subaguda del accidente cerebrovascular. Se desarrollaron ocho videos educativos relacionados a posicionamientos, movilizaciones y transferencias, que se implementaron en la casa de los cuidadores y/o pacientes a lo largo de tres días (en el primer día, tres videos; segundo día, tres videos; y tercer día, dos videos). Cada video fue visualizado en una tableta por 30 minutos. Las habilidades prácticas y conocimientos se evaluaron antes y después de cada video, y finalmente, la satisfacción de los cuidadores. Se usaron tres instrumentos, una lista de chequeo para evaluar las habilidades prácticas, un cuestionario para evaluar los conocimientos y otro para la satisfacción. Resultados: El puntaje de las habilidades prácticas incrementó de 21,6 a 56,1 puntos (p<0,001) y los conocimientos de 11,6 a 21,6 puntos (p<0,001). Además, 7/10 de los cuidadores estaban muy satisfechos con los videos, 7/10 consideró fácil las palabras, 7/10 consideró fácil poner en práctica las indicaciones, 9/10 definitivamente recomendaría los videos y todos los consideraban útiles. Conclusión: Los videos educativos mejoran las habilidades prácticas y conocimientos de los cuidadores informales de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Los videos educativos desarrollados podrían usarse para capacitar a los cuidadores sobre el manejo de estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of educational videos to improve the practical skills and knowledge of stroke patients' informal caregivers. Materials and methods: Pretest/posttest study. The participants were 10 caregivers aged 18 to 65 years and of both sexes of patients in the subacute phase of stroke. We developed eight educational videos related to positioning, mobilizations and transfers, which were implemented in the caregivers’ and/or patients’ homes along three days (on the first day, three videos; second day, three videos; and third day, two videos). Each video was viewed on a tablet for 30 minutes. We evaluated skills and knowledge before and after each video, and finally, the caregivers’ satisfaction. We used three instruments, a checklist to assess practical skills, a questionnaire to assess knowledge, and another for satisfaction. Results: The practical skills score increased from 21,6 to 56,1 points (p <0,001) and knowledge from 11,6 to 21,6 points (p <0,001). 7/10 of the caregivers were very satisfied with the videos, 7/10 considered the words easy, 7/10 considered easy to put the indications into practice, 9/10 would definitely recommend the videos, and everyone considered them useful. Conclusion: Educational videos improve the practical skills and knowledge of stroke informal caregivers. Developed educational videos could be successful in training caregivers on the management of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de videos educativos para mejorar las habilidades prácticas y conocimientos de los cuidadores informales de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Materiales y métodos: Estudio pretest/postest. Los participantes fueron diez cuidadores de 18 a 65 años y de ambos sexos de pacientes en fase subaguda del accidente cerebrovascular. Se desarrollaron ocho videos educativos relacionados a posicionamientos, movilizaciones y transferencias, que se implementaron en la casa de los cuidadores y/o pacientes a lo largo de tres días (en el primer día, tres videos; segundo día, tres videos; y tercer día, dos videos). Cada video fue visualizado en una tableta por 30 minutos. Las habilidades prácticas y conocimientos se evaluaron antes y después de cada video, y finalmente, la satisfacción de los cuidadores. Se usaron tres instrumentos, una lista de chequeo para evaluar las habilidades prácticas, un cuestionario para evaluar los conocimientos y otro para la satisfacción. Resultados: El puntaje de las habilidades prácticas incrementó de 21,6 a 56,1 puntos (p<0,001) y los conocimientos de 11,6 a 21,6 puntos (p<0,001). Además, 7/10 de los cuidadores estaban muy satisfechos con los videos, 7/10 consideró fácil las palabras, 7/10 consideró fácil poner en práctica las indicaciones, 9/10 definitivamente recomendaría los videos y todos los consideraban útiles. Conclusión: Los videos educativos mejoran las habilidades prácticas y conocimientos de los cuidadores informales de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Los videos educativos desarrollados podrían usarse para capacitar a los cuidadores sobre el manejo de estos pacientes.

RESUMO Racional: Trauma é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo e cuidados cirúrgicos adequados são críticos para determinar a mortalidade. No Chile, morte associada a trauma é a primeira causa de mortalidade na população entre 20 e 59 anos. Para lidar com esses pacientes complexos, são necessárias habilidades cirúrgicas precisas para esses procedimentos. Autoconfiança de cirurgiões recentemente graduados na Residência em Cirurgia Geral para práticas de procedimentos de trauma no nosso país não tem sido reportada. Objetivo: Descrever nível de autoconfiança para lidar com procedimentos de trauma em cirurgiões recentemente graduados na residência de cirurgia geral. Método: Estudo transversal. Foi desenhada e aplicada uma enquete em 2015, 2016 e 2017 a cirurgiões recentemente graduados para pesquisar sobre autoconfiança e habilidades cirúrgicas para lidar com cenários de trauma. Foram avaliados 18 procedimentos cirúrgicos de trauma (incluindo procedimentos cervicais, torácicos, abdominais e vasculares) usando a 5-grade Likert Scale. O número total de procedimentos feitos durante a residência foi avaliado. Resultados: Foram incluídos 88 cirurgiões recentemente graduados. O nível de competência foi reportado como alto em procedimentos como trauma intestinal, onde 98% sentiu-se competente ou muito competente em sua reparação. Por outro lado, em traumas complexos como dano vascular maior, até 76% reportaram não se sentirem competentes. A autoconfiança nos procedimentos esteve diretamente associada com o número de procedimentos realizados. Conclusões: Cirurgiões recentemente graduados na residência de cirurgia geral reportam níveis altos de confiança para lidar com traumas de complexidade baixa e média, mas um nível menor de confiança para tratar casos de complexidade alta.

ABSTRACT Background: Trauma is one of the leading causes of death in the world and proper surgical care is critical to impact mortality. In Chile, trauma associated death ranks first as mortality cause in population between 20 and 59 years old. Appropriate surgical skills are required to deal with these complex patients. Self-confidence to practice trauma procedures after the General Surgery Residency have not been reported in our country. Aim: Describe the level of self-confidence to deal with trauma procedures of surgeons who recently graduated from a General Surgery Residency. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. We designed and applied a survey in 2015, 2016 and 2017 to recently graduated surgeons, to inquire about self-confidence of surgical skills to deal with trauma scenarios. Eighteen trauma surgery procedures (including cervical, thoracic, abdominal and vascular procedures) were evaluated using a 5-grade Likert scale. The number of procedures performed during the residency was also queried. Results: Eighty-eight recently graduated surgeons from 11 different training programs in Chile were included. The report of competencies was high in procedures such as intestinal injuries, were 98% felt competent or very competent in their repair. On the other hand, in complex traumas such as major vessel injury, up to 76% reported not being competent. Self-confidence on procedures was directly associated with the number of procedures performed during residency. Conclusions: Recently graduated surgeons from General Surgery Programs report high levels of confidence to deal with low and intermediate complexity traumas, but a lower level of confidence to treat high complexity cases.

The growing interest in the mechanisms determining the social functioning of human beings has raised the challenge of obtaining an accurate concept of social cognition and its related mechanisms, because several neurologic and psychiatric diseases exhibit related impairments since earliest stages. Social Cognition is defined as the integration of mental processes allowing the interaction among subjects and it includes phenomena as Social Perception, Theory of Mind and Empathy (or the affective response to the mental state of other people). In this article, as the primary aim, we expose the main concepts and neural basis in order to make easier the first approach for those who are looking for an application in the research with clinical populations.

Resumen El creciente interés en los mecanismos que determinan el funcionamiento social de los seres humanos ha emergido como un desafío a la hora de obtener un concepto adecuado de cognición social y sus mecanismos relacionados, debido a que diversas patologías neurológicas y psiquiátricas se relacionan con deterioros de estas funciones desde etapas tempranas. Cognición Social se define como la integración de procesos mentales que permiten la interacción entre sujetos, incluyendo fenómenos como el de la Percepción Social, la Teoría de la Mente y la Empatía (o respuesta afectiva a los estados mentales de otros sujetos). En este artículo, como objetivo principal, exponemos los principales conceptos y las bases neurales para facilitar una primera aproximación de quienes busquen una aplicación con poblaciones clínicas.

Abstract:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in adult population. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an increasingly important role, especially in early diagnosis, so the imaging differentiation of frequent and infrequent variants of MS with other white matter diseases of brain and spinal cord is essential. Through a pictorial essay we show typical MR features of MS and more infrequent variants of demyelinating lesions and illustrate characteristic imaging findings of inflammatory and non-inflammatory vasculopathies, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and vascular diseases of spinal cord that may simulate MS, with emphasis on imaging differential diagnosis.

Resumen: La esclerosis múltiple (EM) es la enfermedad inflamatorio-desmielinizante del Sistema nervioso central más prevalente en adultos. La resonancia magnética (RM) juega un rol cada vez más importante en el estudio de esta patología, en especial en su diagnóstico precoz, por lo que la diferenciación imagenológica de variantes frecuentes e infrecuentes de EM con otras patologías de sustancia blanca que comprometen encéfalo y médula espinal es esencial. Mediante una revisión pictórica se ilustrarán características típicas en RM del compromiso por EM y de variantes menos habituales de lesión desmielinizante, y se ilustrarán hallazgos característicos de lesiones relacionadas a vasculopatías inflamatorias y no inflamatorias, encefalomielitis diseminada aguda (ADEM), neuromielitis óptica (NMO) y enfermedades vasculares de la médula espinal que pueden simular EM, con énfasis en el diagnóstico diferencial radiológico.

In the Quebrada de Camiña, northern Chile, the natural waters used to grow maize (Zea mays L.), exceed the arsenic concentration five times the NCh1333. In this work, the capacity of phytoextraction by bioconcentration factor (CBF) and the risk of grain and leaf consumption were determined by calculating percentages translocation factor (PFT) of leaf and grain in adult plants obtained from six sites of the valley of Camiña, integrating the characterization of waters and soils. The concentration in the water was 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/L. The contaminated soils presented significant differences (p <0.05) between the sites, defining three levels: 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg.The values in leaves and grains were variable 3.9 ± 2.0 and 0.10 ± 0.14 mg/kg, respectively. There is no linear relationship between soil and root and aerial parts. The roots absorb and accumulate arsenic, obtaining CBF of 2.36 ± 1.10 (n = 30), however, the transfer of the root to the aerial part does not occur, since the PFT obtained were quite low(between1.57to5.90%inleavesand0.02to0.11%ingrains),consequently,thereisno risk in consumption.

En la quebrada de Camiña, norte de Chile, las aguas naturales usadas para cultivar maíz (Zea mays L.), sobrepasan la concentración de arsénico en cinco veces la legislación chilena NCh1333. Se determinó su capacidad de fitoextracción del elemento, por el factor de bioconcentración (FBC) y si hay riesgo en el consumo de granos y hojas, mediante el cálculo del porcentaje del factor de translocación (PFT) en plantas adultas, obtenidas de seis predios del valle de Camiña, integrando la caracterización de aguas y suelos. Las concentraciones en agua alcanzaron 0,41 ± 0,09 mg/L; los suelos contaminados presentaron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre los sitios, precisando tres niveles: 30, 100 y 300 mg/kg. Los valores en hojas y granos fue variable 3,9 ± 2,0 y 0,10 ± 0,14 mg/kg, respectivamente. No existe relación lineal entre suelo y raíz, ni con las partes aéreas. Las raíces absorben y acumulan arsénico, obteniendo FB de 2,36 ± 1,10 (n=30), sin embargo, no ocurre la transferencia de la raíz a la parte aérea, dado que los PFT obtenidos fueron bastante bajos (entre 1,57 a 5,90 % en hojas y 0,02 a 0,11 % en granos), en consecuencia, no hay riesgo en su consumo.

The article highlights some elements that characterize the definition of priorities as components of university science and technology, as from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras experience's perspective, who is a rector of the superior education in this country: Starting with a contextual description, some elements are debated towards the planning of science and technology in terms of social priorities and needs: general definitions on prioritization, universities' role in generating and applying knowledge, as to the context and needs of society; specific definitions to establish priorities; public policies, planning and financing for priorities definition; university autonomy and impact on the definition of priorities in the promotion of research, innovation, and development. Finally, some challenges towards the formulation of the scientific knowledge management policy are stated.

El presente trabajo destaca algunos elementos que caracterizan la definición de prioridades como componentes del planeamiento en ciencia y tecnología en las universidades, desde la perspectiva de la experiencia en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, quien es rectora de la educación superior en este país. Partiendo de una descripción contextual, se discuten algunos elementos para la planificación de la ciencia y tecnología en función de las prioridades y necesidades sociales, tales como: definiciones generales sobre priorización, el rol de las universidades en la generación y la aplicación del conocimiento según el contexto y las necesidades de la sociedad; definiciones específicas para establecer prioridades; políticas públicas, planes y financiamiento para la definición de prioridades; autonomía universitaria e impacto de la definición de prioridades en la promoción de la investigación, innovación y desarrollo. Finalmente, se señalan algunos desafíos para la formulación de una política de gestión del conocimiento científico pertinente.

The rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, was first introduced in Chile between 1905 and 1920 and is currently widely distributed in Chile from Antofagasta (23°S) to Patagonia (55°S). The broad range of the geographic and climatic distributions of this species in Chile offers a unique opportunity to study the effect of naturalization of an introduced species on its genetic variability. It is of particular importance to observe the genetic variability of populations in the northern range of this species distribution, in a transition zone where a Mediterranean-type climate changes to an arid climate. The present study analyzed allozymic variability and distribution within and between populations of O. mykiss from the river basins of Elqui and Limari rivers, and six culture strains, using starch-gel protein electrophoresis. Populations were found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the average values of He (0.045), polymorphism (13.9%) and allele per locus (1.19) are similar to rainbow trout in its native distributional range. About 77.8% of the genetic variability was within population, similar to the variability reported for wild populations in the northern hemisphere. However, a marked genetic differentiation between wild populations was also found. This is likely to be the consequence of initial founder effects followed by subsequent introgression of resident populations caused by reseeding with trout of different origins in both basins.

La trucha arcoíris, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fue introducida en Chile entre 1905 y 1920, y actualmente está ampliamente distribuida entre Antofagasta (23°S) y la Patagonia (55°S). El amplio rango de distribución geográfica y climática de esta especie en Chile ofrece una oportunidad singular para estudiar los efectos de la naturalización de una especie introducida sobre su variabilidad genética. Es de particular importancia observar la variabilidad genética de las poblaciones de esta especie en el rango norte de distribución, una zona de transición de un clima tipo mediterráneo a una condición árida. El presente estudio analizó la variabilidad aloenzimática dentro y entre poblaciones de O. mykiss en las cuencas hidrográficas de los ríos Elqui y Limarí, así como seis cepas de truchas comerciales, usando electroforesis de proteínas en geles de almidón. Las poblaciones analizadas se encontraban en equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg, con valores de heterocigosidad esperada (0,045), polimorfismo (13,9%) y alelos por locus (1,19) similares a los de la especie en su rango nativo de distribución. Aproximadamente el 77,8% de la variabilidad genética fue intrapoblacional, similar a lo informado para poblaciones silvestres de esta especie en el hemisferio norte. Esto probablemente es consecuencia de efectos fundadores iniciales seguidos por introgresiones subsecuentes de las poblaciones residentes debidas a resiembras con truchas de diferentes orígenes en ambas cuencas.

Background: Mortality rate is dramatically high in high grade brain tumors. The presence of multiple drug resistance transporters in glioblastoma multiforme, has contributed largely to the poor effcacy of targeted therapy against cancer in the central nervous system. Aim: To analyze the percentage of survival and mortality of patients with glioblastoma multiforme in a cohort of patients in Chile and to co-rrelate the chemo-resistance of these cells with the expression level of multiple drug resistance transporters. Materials and Methods: Eighteen biopsies of glioblastoma multiforme were obtained from patients at the Institute of Neurosurgery Dr. Asenjo (INCA). The tumor cells were obtained from primary cultures and the expression and activity of multiple drug resistance transporters was assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Population-based study was performed using the databases of the Department of Neurosurgery of INCA. Results: The number of patients with glioblastoma multiforme increased between 2007 and 2009, from 3.5% to 7.9% of total brain tumors. Mortality of these tumors is 90 % at three years. A high expression and activity of the multiple drugs resistance associated protein 1 (Mrp1) transporter was observed in primary cultures of biopsies. Conclusions: We propose that Mrp1 activity is responsible for the chemo-resistance of the glioblastoma multiforme and inhibition of this transporter could represent a plausible strategy for the treatment.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic dysfunction closely associated with insulin resistance and obesity, which predisposes to pregnancy complications. Aim: To report a prospective clinical experience in PCOS patients who became pregnant after diet, exercise and metformin treatment intervention, and were followed up during the whole pregnancy. Patients and Methods: Seventy pregnant PCOS (PPCOS) women and forty normal pregnant (NP) women of similar age and with singleton pregnancies were included in the study. During gestational ages 10-16 and 22-28 weeks, a 2h, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed with measurement of glucose and insulin in each sample. Results: No differences were found in duration of gestation, weight gain during pregnancy, or systolic and diastolic blood pressure between PPCOS and NP women. There were significant differences in body mass index (BMI) at the initiation and in the third trimester of pregnancy between both groups. The incidence of gestational diabetes was significantly higher (p <0.01) in the PCOS group (35.2%) compared to the control group (5.0%). The prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) infants tended to be higher (p =0.09) in the PCOS group. During pregnancy, 2h glucose and insulin were significantly higher in PPCOS than in NP women. Conclusions: PCOS mothers showed a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes and SGA newborns, which cannot be attributed to the weight gain during pregnancy, and seems to be more related to the BMI at the initiation of pregnancy, and to the PCOS condition of the mothe

Background: The family of lectins known as galectins (galectins 1-14) are involved in the regulation of the immune system and in oncogenesis. During a search for antigens recognized by antibodies produced by a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) we found reactivity against galectin-8, for which autoantibodies have not been previously described. Aim: To determine the frequency of autoantibodies against galectin-8 in lupus patients compared with healthy controls. Patients and Methods: Galectin-8 was purified from a bacterial expression system and used in immunoblot assays as antigen to screen the sera of 55 SLE patients and matched controls. Disease activity was evaluated using the Mexican Modification of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (MEX-SLEDAI). Results: Reactivity against galectin-8 was detected in 30% of SLE patients, compared to 7% of controls (p=0.003). We could not detect any particular SLE manifestation associated to the presence of these autoantibodies. Conclusions: This is the first description of autoantibodies against galectin-8. Its higher frequency in patients with SLE suggests a pathogenic role. Further studies are needed to determine their clinical relevance

Background: In Chile, cerebrovascular diseases are the fifth cause of death among men and the third cause among women. Aim: To assess the clinical features and management of patients with cerebrovascular disease admitted to a public hospital during 1997. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients discharged with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease. Those records in which there was discordance between the discharge diagnosis and the clinical picture were not considered in the analysis. Results: Of the 563 discharges from the hospital with the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, 487 records were located and 450 were considered in the analysis. Fifty four percent of patients were male and ages ranged from 17 to 96 years old. Fifty one percent of patients had an ischemic stroke, 34% a cerebral hemorrhage, 12% a subaracnoidal hemorrhage and 3% a transient ischemic attack. There was a history of hypertension in 64% patients and 20% had an adequate treatment. Eighteen percent were diabetics, 34% had a heart disease and 20% had a previous episode of stroke. Mean hospital stay was 6.3 days in the emergency room and 11 days in the neurology ward. Hospital infections appeared in 21% of patients (respiratory in 68% and urinary in 22%), lethality was 30.5% and a CAT scan was done in 94%. At the moment of admission, 10% of patients had an evolution of less than 2 hours, 27% had an evolution between 2 and 6 hours and nine cases were potential eligible for thrombolysis. Conclusion: This is a picture of the local features of patients with cerebrovascular diseases that can be used as a reference for future studies. (Rev Méd Chile 2000; 128: 1227-36)