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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of contraindicated use of combined hormonal contraceptives, progesterone-only contraceptives, and intrauterine devices in mothers participating in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort according to the WHO medical eligibility criteria. METHODS The biological mothers of children belonging to the 2015 Pelotas birth cohort who attended the 48-month follow-up were studied. The 48-month follow-up data were collected from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Contraindicated use of modern contraceptives was considered to occur when these women presented at least one of the contraindications for the use of modern contraceptives and were using these methods. The prevalence of contraindicated use was calculated according to each independent variable and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS The analyzed sample consisted of 3,053 women who used any modern contraceptive method. The prevalence of contraindicated use of modern contraceptives totaled 25.9% (95%CI: 24.4–27.5). Combined hormonal contraceptives showed the highest prevalence of contraindicated use (52.1%; 95%CI: 49.3–54.8). The prevalence of contraindicated use of modern contraceptives methods was greater in women with family income between one and three minimum wages, a 25–30 kg/m2 body mass index, indication by a gynecologist for the used method, and purchasing the contraceptive method at a pharmacy. The higher the women’s education, the lower the prevalence of inappropriate use of modern contraceptives. CONCLUSION In total, one in four women used modern contraceptives despite showing at least one contraindication. Policies regarding women’s reproductive health should be strengthened.

Laser vision correction is a modern method of eliminating, not just correcting, vision defects. The laser results in the restoration of the patient's eyes, so that he or she gains visual acuity anew. This method is both effective and safe, however, it is not feasible for every person. There are certain restrictions regarding: age, health, type of defect, history of disease, corneal scarring, pregnancy (both during and planned), or breastfeeding. Other rather non-obvious limitations, often overlooked by patients at the qualifying examination, are a metal filing that once found its way into the eye, after which it was removed rather late by a specialist, or current dry eye syndrome. The procedure of laser vision correction, can be carried out only after obtaining both the consent of the doctor conducting the qualifying examination and the interested party himself.

En el presente trabajo realizamos una revisión y actualización de las acciones, indicaciones, reacciones adversas y sus tratamientos, interacciones y contraindicaciones de los distintos medios de contrastes.In this review, we revised and updated the actions, indications, interactions and contraindications of the different contrast media, as well as their adverse reactions and how to treat them.

Background: acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a complex and potentially deadly entity, with a variable clinical course, considered the third cardiovascular cause of death. Its management varies according to the stratified risk from anticoagulation to reperfusion therapy, suggesting systemic thrombolysis as a first-choice strategy; however, in a large group of patients their use will be contraindicated, discouraged or will have failed, thus recommending as options in such cases endovascular therapies or surgical embolectomy. With the presentation of 3 clinical cases and a review of the literature, we seek to communicate our initial experience in the use of ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis with the EKOS system and to investigate key elements for its understanding and application., Clinical Cases: the cases of 3 patients with APE of high and intermediate risk with contraindications for systemic thrombolysis taken to accelerated thrombolysis therapy by ultrasound are discussed. They presented adequate clinical and hemodynamic evolution in the short term, achieving a rapid decrease in thrombolysis, systolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, improvement of right ventricular function and reduction of thrombotic burden., Conclusion: Ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis is a novel pharmaco-mechanical therapy that combines the emission of ultrasonic waves with the infusion of a local thrombolytic agent, a strategy that, according to different trials and clinical registries, has a high success rate and a good safety profile., (© 2023 Revista Médica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.)

En la actualidad, el tratamiento endovascular de las patologías de aorta es una alternativa a la cirugía abierta. Éste ha demostrado ser seguro ya que arroja resultados iguales o superiores que el grupo quirúrgico. En este artículo se presenta el estado actual del tratamiento con endoprótesis de las patologías de aorta, así como las indicaciones, las contraindicaciones y el futuro del tratamiento con este tipo de dispositivos.Endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies is actually an alternative to open surgery. It has proven to be safe, showing similar or better results to those achieved by surgery. In this article, treatment of aortic pathologies by means of endoprosthesis is presented, as well as its indications, contraindications and future treatment with this kind of devices.

En la actualidad, el tratamiento endovascular de las patologías de aorta es una alternativa a la cirugía abierta. Éste ha demostrado ser seguro ya que arroja resultados iguales o superiores que el grupo quirúrgico. En este artículo se presenta el estado actual del tratamiento con endoprótesis de las patologías de aorta, así como las indicaciones, las contraindicaciones y el futuro del tratamiento con este tipo de dispositivos.Endovascular treatment of aortic pathologies is actually an alternative to open surgery. It has proven to be safe, showing similar or better results to those achieved by surgery. In this article, treatment of aortic pathologies by means of endoprosthesis is presented, as well as its indications, contraindications and future treatment with this kind of devices.

Introduction: The desire to improve one’s physical appearance through simple and economical methods has resulted in the indiscriminate application of modeling substances. As a result, iatrogenic allogenosis has emerged as an increasingly prevalent disease in Latin America. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics and adverse effects arising from the use of modeling substances in a group of patients from Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who consulted for complications arising from the use of modeling substances during a six-year period. Results: A total of 1,322 patients were included of whom 95.5% were women. Patients’ ages ranged from 19 to 83 years, with an average of 39 years. The most infiltrated anatomical site showing adverse effects due to modeling substances was the buttocks. The asymmetry and increased volume of the infiltrated site were the most common signs while pain, mood disturbances, and depression or anxiety were the most commonly perceived symptoms. A total of 41.8% of patients ignored what substances they had received, and 28.5% received biopolymers; these procedures were mostly performed by non-qualified personnel. Conclusions: The care of these patients requires multidisciplinary teams to establish treatment alternatives to improve their quality of life. In addition, the regulation of establishments, as well as the surveillance, inspection, and control of the imports and use of these substances should be warranted.

Beginning in 1974, the date on which the Expanded Program on Immunization was established in the Americas, the number of deaths and disabilities due to certain infectious diseases decreased considerably thanks to universally applied vaccines. A program that initially included four vaccines that protected against six diseases (tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles) was consolidated, over the years, by incorporating new vaccines and significantly raising coverage rates. The Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría (Argentine Society of Pediatrics), as a leader of opinion, played a leading role in the incorporation of new vaccines, currently reaching one of the most complete vaccination calendars in the world, which improves the levels of inequality and inequity in public health. Taking into account the significant role of the pediatrician in decision-making, the National Committee of Infectious Diseases, together with the Subsidiary Committees, prepared a document on updates and recommendations for 2018 on Polio, Rotavirus, Pneumococcus, Meningococcus, Human Papillomavirus, Chickenpox, Flu, Dengue vaccines and Whooping Cough., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

To establish a set of recommendations for the management of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who cannot be treated with methotrexate (MTX) due to contraindications, drug toxicity or lack of adherence, and to establish therapeutic strategies more effective and safer in these RA patients. A qualitative analysis of the scientific evidence available to June 2015. The 2-round Delphi technique of consensus was used to collect and establish expert opinion based on the participants' clinical experience when only low quality evidence was available. A total of eighteen recommendations were developed for the management of this patient profile. Fourteen of these recommendations were related to drug safety aspects. Recommendations on contraindication and toxicity of MTX have been updated. The experts recommend the use of biological monotherapy, a preferred treatment option, in patients whose profiles reveal a contraindication, intolerance or circumstances that prevent us against the use of MTX. There is some high-quality scientific evidence that supports contraindication and establishes certain conditions of MTX use in RA patients with specific clinical profiles., (Copyright © 2016. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Objective: To determine the anatomical and functional outcomes of corneal refractive surgery in patients on amiodarone, a drug listed as being contraindicated in patients undergoing this procedure., Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on all consecutive patients who took amiodarone and who underwent LASIK or surface ablation from January 2003 to December 2014. Functional (visual and refractive) outcomes are described., Results: A total of 20 patients (33 eyes) were included. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were found., Conclusions: In our experience, LASIK and surface ablation did not produce significant clinical complications in selected patients taking amiodarone. The absolute exclusion of certain systemic medications should be reconsidered., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The presence of malignant tumors during pregnancy complicates the management of both tumor and pregnancy, since any diagnostic or therapeutic intervention could imply risks that may bring on detrimental effects to fetus or mother. The risks involved in exposing a fetus to cytotoxic therapy are associated to gestational age and the time of in utero exposure to that therapy. Cancer treatment has two different objectives: local control by surgery and radiotherapy, and one that seeks to eradicate systemic disease through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapies.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the most frequently used conventional systemic drug in the treatment of psoriasis. Despite over 50years of experience in this setting, certain aspects of the use of this drug in clinical practice are still little standardized and poorly understood. For this reason, a group of 15 experts took part in a consensus development conference to achieve consensus on a series of recommendations on the use of MTX in psoriasis. The guidelines, which were developed on the basis of a systematic review of the literature, were validated by 2 rounds of voting and categorized by level of evidence and grade of recommendation. Before MTX can be used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, the patient must be evaluated to assess the suitability of the treatment, including consideration of vaccination status and screening for tuberculosis and pregnancy. The recommended starting dose for a patient with no risk factors is 10 to 20mg/wk, the therapeutic dose for most patients is 15mg/wk, and the maximum dose is 20mg/wk. Most patients who respond to treatment will show improvement within 8weeks. Parenteral administration of MTX is desirable when there is a risk of erroroneous dosing, nonadherence, gastrointestinal intolerance, or inadequate response to the therapeutic dose taken orally. Noninvasive methods are preferred for monitoring hepatotoxicity. MTX is a good treatment option for patients with a history of cancer, but is not recommended in patients with chronic hepatitisB infection or individuals who are seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most numerous category of drugs sharing the same mechanism of action and therapeutic activities (anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic). Despite having similar efficacy for pain relieve, the different available NSAIDs show variability in its safety profile. The risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications varies depending on the dose of NSAID and also the presence of different risk factors. It is necessary, therefore, an individualized case assessment before establishing the indication of the best NSAID for each patient, taking account of the best gastroprotection strategy. Improved prescription and enhanced treatment adherence are central objectives to reduce NSAID-related complications. A recent consensus of the Spanish Association of Gastroenterology and the Spanish societies of Cardiology and Rheumatology intends to promote the rational use of NSAIDs according to new recent studies. This review provides additional aspects to facilitate the optimal decision-making process in the routine use of these drugs in clinical practice., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: A caecal appendix within an inguinal hernia, with or without appendicitis, is defined as Amyand's hernia. In 1% of inguinal hernias an appendix without inflammation can be found, however, the prevalence of appendicitis in a hernia sac is only 0.08-0.13%., Clinical Case: Male of 43 years old, began two days before admission with pain in the right inguinal region. He was scheduled for surgery due to a complication of a right inguinal hernia. The surgical findings were Amyand's hernia, necrotic spermatic cord, and perforated appendix. Surgical repair was performed with a favourable outcome, and he was discharged on the fourth postoperative day., Discussion: Most of Amyand's hernia exhibit characteristics of incarcerated or strangulated inguinal hernia. Even acute appendicitis or perforated appendix within the hernia sac does not reflect specific symptoms or signs, therefore, a preoperative clinical diagnosis of Amyand's hernia is difficult to achieve. In our case, the patient had perforated appendicitis, developing necrosis of the spermatic cord. Orchiectomy, appendectomy, and inguinal hernia repair was performed without placing mesh. Due to the controversy on the use of mesh in contaminated abdominal wall defects, it was not indicated here, due to the high risk of wound infection and appendicular fistula., Conclusion: An extremely rare condition is presented, with a surgical choice that led to a favourable outcome., (Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)

Melanoma is a common cutaneous tumour. It is of great importance due to its increasing incidence and aggressive behaviour, with metastasis to lymph nodes and internal organs. When suspecting melanoma, excisional biopsy should be performed to obtain complete histological information in order to determine the adverse factors such as ulceration, mitosis rate, and Breslow depth, which influence preoperative staging and provide data for sentinel lymph biopsy decision making. The indicated management for melanoma is wide local excision, observing recommended and well-established excision margins, depending on Breslow depth and anatomical location of the tumour. Therapeutic lymphadenectomy is recommended for patients with clinically or radiologically positive lymph nodes. This article reviews surgical treatment of melanoma, adverse histological factors, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and radical lymphadenectomy. Details are presented on special situations in which management of melanoma is different due to the anatomical location (plantar, subungual, lentigo maligna), or pregnancy., (Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis can increase the risk of active tuberculosis in patients who have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of LTBI in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis being treated in dermatology clinics in Spain., Material and Method: Non-interventional, cross-sectional, national epidemiological study conducted in Spain in 2011-2012. Patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were included if they had undergone at least one tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or been evaluated with an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (QuantiFERON(®) TB Gold In-Tube) in the 2 years preceding the study., Results: Data for 440 patients were valid for analysis. In total, 97.7% of the patients had undergone a TST, with a positive result in 23%. Of the 238 patients in whom the initial result was negative, 5% converted to positive on re-testing for a booster effect. IGRA results were available for 16.8%, 20.5% of them positive. Two of the patients with positive IGRA results had a negative TST. The prevalence of LTBI in the whole sample was 26.6%. The degree of concordance between the TST and the IGRA was moderate (κ=0.516; P<.001)., Conclusions: The prevalence of LTBI in this study was similar to previous estimates for Spain., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEDV. All rights reserved.)

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is a method of ventilatory assistance aimed at increasing alveolar ventilation, thus achieving, in selected subjects, the avoidance of endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation, with the consequent improvement in survival. There has been a systematic review and study of the technical, clinical experiences, and recommendations concerning the application of non-invasive mechanical ventilation in the pre- and intraoperative period. The use of prophylactic non-invasive mechanical ventilation before surgery that involves significant alterations in the ventilatory function may decrease the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications. Its intraoperative use will mainly depend on the type of surgery, type of anaesthetic technique, and the clinical status of the patient. Its use allows greater anaesthetic depth without deterioration of oxygenation and ventilation of patients., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Massive haemorrhage is common and often associated with high morbidity and mortality. We perform a systematic review of the literature, with extraction of the recommendations from the existing evidences because of the need for its improvement and the management standardization. From the results we found, we wrote a multidisciplinary consensus document. We begin with the agreement in the definitions of massive haemorrhage and massive transfusion, and we do structured recommendations on their general management (clinical assessment of bleeding, hypothermia management, fluid therapy, hypotensive resuscitation and damage control surgery), blood volume monitoring, blood products transfusion (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and their best transfusion ratio), and administration of hemostatic components (prothrombin complex, fibrinogen, factor VIIa, antifibrinolytic agents)., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This consensus document is an update of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) guidelines and recommendations for HIV-1 infected adult patients., Methods: To formulate these recommendations, a panel composed of members of the AIDS Study Group and the AIDS National Plan (GeSIDA/Plan Nacional sobre el Sida) reviewed the efficacy and safety advances in clinical trials, and cohort and pharmacokinetic studies published in medical journals (PubMed and Embase) or presented in medical scientific meetings. The strength of the recommendations, and the evidence that supports them, are based on modified criteria of the Infectious Diseases Society of America., Results: In this update, cART is recommended for all patients infected by type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). The strength and level of the recommendation depends on the CD4+T-lymphocyte count, the presence of opportunistic diseases or comorbid conditions, age, and prevention of transmission of HIV. The objective of cART is to achieve an undetectable plasma viral load. Initial cART should always comprise a combination of 3 drugs, including 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and a third drug from a different family. Three out of the ten recommended regimes are regarded as preferential (all of them with an integrase inhibitor as the third drug), and the other seven (based on a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor, or an integrase inhibitor) as alternatives. This update presents the causes and criteria for switching cART in patients with undetectable plasma viral load, and in cases of virological failure where rescue cART should comprise 3 (or at least 2) drugs that are fully active against the virus. An update is also provided for the specific criteria for cART in special situations (acute infection, HIV-2 infection, and pregnancy) and with comorbid conditions (tuberculosis or other opportunistic infections, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer)., Conclusions: These new guidelines update previous recommendations related to cART (when to begin and what drugs should be used), how to monitor and what to do in case of viral failure or drug adverse reactions. cART specific criteria in comorbid patients and special situations are equally updated., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.)

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis relationated or not with a neoplasm. Although its incidence is unknown, probably remains underdiagnosed. Epidemiological studies place it as the second cause of immune-mediated encephalitis and the first in patients aged less of 30 years. It shows neuropsychiatric symptoms and autonomic instability. After diagnosis, based on the detection of antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid, an occult malignancy must be investigated. While increasing number of cases have been diagnosed and the important role of this receptor in general anesthesia mechanisms, the interaction of the disease with anesthetic agents and perioperative stress is unknown. We describe the case of a patient with encephalitis associated to ovarian teratoma that underwent gynaecological laparoscopy., (Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the design of a personalized, multimodal multidisciplinary plan for minimizing transfusion and simultaneously achieving a positive impact on patient outcomes. The first pillar of PBM consists of optimizing the erythrocyte mass. The best chance for this step is offered by preoperative preparation. In most cases, a detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests will identify the cause of anemia. A correct evaluation of parameters that assess the state and function of iron, such as ferritin levels, and the parameters that measure functional iron, such as transferrin saturation and soluble transferrin receptor levels, provide us with essential information for guiding the treatment with iron. The new blood count analyzers that measure hypochromia (% of hypochromic red blood cells and reticulocyte hemoglobin concentrations) provide us useful information for the diagnosis and follow-up of the response to iron treatment. Measuring serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels is essential for treating deficiencies and thereby achieving better hemoglobin optimization., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

REVIEẂS AIM: When a phacoemulsification, a filtration surgery or a combined surgery are necessary, questions about the convenience of continuing certain antiglaucomatous drugs could appear. The aim of this review article is to unify criteria that will guide daily clinical practice and including the developing algorithms of action in the preoperative and postoperative periods of filtration surgery and/or cataract surgery., Proposed Protocols: In the preoperative period of cataract surgery, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is at the discretion of the surgeon, with the monodose presentation being recommended. The suspension of prostaglandines a fewdays before the surgery should be considered. Preservative-free drugs ensure a better recovery of the ocular surface (OS) after cataract surgery. Once all modifying factors of the intraocular pressure (IOP) have been removed, baseline IOP should be evaluated again, choosing preservative-free antiglaucomatous drugs when needed. The use of preservative-free ocular antihypertensive drugs and steroids in the preoperative period of glaucoma surgery reduces the risk of surgical failure. The interruption of prostaglandines is recommended. In the postoperative period of glaucoma surgery, steroids are the anti-inflammatory treatment of choice, the preservative-free ones being preferred. When reintroducing antiglaucomatous treatment, preservatives should be avoided to prevent scarring. The appropriate perioperative management of patients with glaucoma is essential to obtain a correct control of IOP, improve the situation of the OS, prevent complications and improve the result of the filtration surgery and cataract surgery., Conclusions: this protocol aims to unify the different lines of action in order to decrease the incidence of adverse events and maximize the surgical outcome., (Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Fluid resuscitation is essential for the survival of critically ill patients in shock, regardless of the origin of shock. A number of crystalloids and colloids (synthetic and natural) are currently available, and there is strong controversy regarding which type of fluid should be administered and the potential adverse effects associated with the use of these products, especially the development of renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. Recently, several clinical trials and metaanalyses have suggested the use of hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) to be associated with an increased risk of death and kidney failure, and data have been obtained showing clinical benefit with the use of crystalloids that contain a lesser concentration of sodium and chlorine than normal saline. This new information has increased uncertainty among clinicians regarding which type of fluid should be used. We therefore have conducted a review of the literature with a view to developing practical recommendations on the use of fluids in the resuscitation phase in critically ill adults., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In Spain, HIV treatment guidelines are well known and generally followed. However, in some patients there are no plans to initiate ART despite having treatment indications. The current barriers to ART initiation are presented., Methods: A cross-sectional survey including every HIV infected patient in care in 19 hospitals across Spain in 2012, with ≥1 indication to start ART according to 2011 national treatment guidelines, who had not been scheduled for ART initiation. Reasons for deferring treatment were categorized as follows (non-exclusive categories): a) The physician thinks the indication is not absolute and prefers to defer it; b) The patient does not want to start it; c) The physician thinks ART must be started, but there is some limitation to starting it, and d) The patient has undetectable viral load in absence of ART., Results: A total of 256 patients, out of 784 originally planned, were included. The large majority (84%) were male, median age 39 years, 57% MSM, 24% heterosexuals, and 16% IDUs. Median time since HIV diagnosis was 3 years, median CD4 count, 501 cells/mm3, median viral load 4.4 log copies/ml. Main ART indications were: CD4 count <500 cells/mm(3), 48%; having an uninfected sexual partner, 28%, and hepatitis C coinfection, 23%. Barriers due to, the physician, 55%; the patient, 28%; other limitations, 23%; and undetectable viral load, 6%., Conclusions: The majority of subjects with ART indication were on it. The most frequent barriers among those who did not receive it were physician-related, suggesting that the relevance of the conditions that indicate ART may need reinforcing., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.)

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is able to demonstrate cerebral circulatory arrest associated to brain death, being especially useful in sedated patients, or in those in which complete neurological exploration is not possible. Transcranial Doppler ulstrasound is a portable, noninvasive and high-availability technique. Among its limitations, mention must be made of the absence of acoustic windows and false-negative cases. In patients clinically diagnosed with brain death, with open skulls or with anoxia as the cause of death, cerebral blood flow can be observed by ultrasound, since cerebral circulatory arrest is not always synchronized to the clinical diagnosis. The diagnostic rate is therefore time-dependent, and this fact that must be recognized in order to avoid delays in death certification. Despite its limitations, transcranial Doppler ulstrasound helps solve common diagnostic problems, avoids the unnecessary consumption of resources, and can optimize organ harvesting for transplantation., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Stiff Man syndrome or stiff-person syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by increased axial muscular tone and limb musculature, and painful spasms triggered by stimulus. The case is presented of a 44-year-old man with stiff-person syndrome undergoing an injection of botulinum toxin in the urethral sphincter under sedation. Before induction, all the surgical team were ready in order to minimise the anaesthetic time. The patient was monitored by continuous ECG, SpO2 and non-invasive blood pressure. He was induced with fractional dose of propofol 150 mg, fentanyl 50 μg and midazolam 1mg. Despite careful titration, the patient had an O2 saturation level of 90%,which was resolved by manual ventilation. There was no muscle rigidity or spasm during the operation. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged 2 days later. A review of other cases is presented. The anaesthetic concern in patients with stiff-person syndrome is the interaction between the anaesthetic agents, the preoperative medication, and the GABA system. For a safe anaesthetic management, total intravenous anaesthesia is recommended instead of inhalation anaesthetics, as well as the close monitoring of the respiratory function and the application of the electrical nerve stimulator when neuromuscular blockers are used., (Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)