Background and aim: biliary self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have the advantage of being inserted undeployed with very small sizes and provide, when fully opened, large diameters for biliary drainage. However, their use in benign conditions has been very limited, mainly because of difficulty in their extraction. We present our initial experience with a fully covered SEMS (Wallflex) for the management of benign problems of the bile duct. Patients and methods: in a prospective study, stents of 8 mm in diameter and 4, 6 or 8 cm long were inserted by means of ERCP. These SEMS were chosen when according to medical judgement it was thought that diameters greater than 10 French (3.3 mm) were needed for proper biliary drainage. Stents were extracted also endoscopically, several months later when deemed clinically appropriate. Results: twenty biliary SEMS were inserted. Reasons for insertion were: large intrahepatic biliary fistula after hydatid cyst surgery (1), perforation of the papillary area following endoscopic sphincterotomy (2), coaxial insertion to achieve patency in obstructed uncovered stents inserted in benign conditions (3), benign strictures (7), multiple and large common bile duct stones that could not be extracted because of tapering and stricturing of the distal common bile duct (7). In all cases, successful biliary drainage was achieved and there were no complications from insertion. Stents were easily extracted after a mean time of 132 days (36-270) in place. Complete resolution of biliary problems was obtained in 14 patients (70%). Conclusions: in our initial experience, the fully covered Wallflex biliary stent was removed without any complication after being in place in the common bile duct for a mean time of over four months. Therefore, it could be used in the management of benign biliary conditions.

Background and aim: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary sphincterotomy (BS) is the usual method for extracting common bile duct stones. However, following BS and by means of extraction balloons and Dormia baskets a complete bile duct clearance cannot be achieved in all cases. We present a study on the impact that hydrostatic balloon dilation of a previous BS (BSD) may have in the extraction rate of choledocholithiasis. Patients and methods: a prospective study which included 91 consecutive patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP. For stone removal, extraction balloons and Dormia baskets were used, and when necessary BSD was employed. Results: complete bile duct clearance was achieved in 86/91 (94.5%) patients. BSD was used in 30 (33%) cases. In these cases, extraction was complete in 29/30 (97%); 23 (76%) patients in the BSD group had anatomic difficulties or bleeding disorders. The most frequently used hydrostatic balloon diameter was 15 mm (60%). There were 7 (7.6%) complications: two self-limited hemorrhage episodes in the BSD group and one episode of cholangitis, one of pancreatitis, and three of bleeding in the group in which BSD was not used. Conclusions: BSD is a very valuable tool for extracting common bile duct stones. In our experience, there has been an increase in the extraction rate from 73% (Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2002; 94: 340-50) to 94.5% (p = 0.0001, OR 0.1, CI 0.05-0.45), with no increase in complications.

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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world. Health systems have been affected in such a way that patients with diseases other than COVID-19 have suffered serious consequences. In Latin America, the disease has emerged in a fragile system with more disparities, making our patients more vulnerable. Acute leukemia patients have a high risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Various expert recommendations have emerged with the aim of minimizing the risk of COVID-19 without affecting leukemia-related outcomes. However, multiple logistical issues tangentially associated with the pandemic have also appeared, potentially limiting the quality of management of these patients. The objective of this study was to register treatment modifications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its short-term consequences in Latin American countries. Methods We included patients older than 14 years, from 14 centers of 4 Latin American countries (Mexico, Peru, Guatemala and Panama), with the diagnosis of acute leukemia, who were on active treatment since the first case of COVID-19 was documented in each country. We documented their baseline characteristics and followed the patients prospectively until July 15, were data-cutoff for this pre-planned analysis was performed. The primary outcome was the incidence of COVID-19 disease and its complications. Secondary outcomes included treatment and consult modifications, and cause of death during the study period. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with COVID-19 and all-cause mortality. Results We recorded the information of 635 patients: 58.1% Ph-negative ALL, 25.7% AML, 9% APL and 7.2% Ph+ALL. The median age was 35 years (14-90 years); 58.8% were consideredf high-risk patients. The majority were on CR (68.3%) receiving consolidation or maintenance therapy, while 14.5% were newly diagnosed and 17.2% with relapsed/refractory disease. The majority (91.8%) were treated in centers that were also receiving COVID-19 patients, 40.2% in centers were patients could not be electively hospitalized for leukemia treatment because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-pandemic led to treatment-modifications in 40.8% of the cases. Reasons for modifications were associated with logistical issues (22.4%), medical decisions (15.1%) or patient choice (3.3%). The most frequent modification was chemotherapy delay (17.3%) followed by regimen modification (13.4%) and dose-reductions (10.1%). (Figure 1) 83 patients (13.1%) developed COVID-19 disease, the majority mild-moderate disease (54.2%), 27.7% severe disease and 18.1% critically ill; 27.7% required mechanical ventilation and 37.7% died from COVID-19 disease, representing 4.9% of the entire cohort. We identify as risk factors for COVID-19 disease the presence of active leukemia (newly diagnosed or relapsed) (OR 3.46 [95% CI: 2.16-5.5], p<0.001), high-risk leukemia (OR 1.63 [95% CI: 1.54-4.52], p<0.001) and being treated in a center were elective hospitalization was possible (OR 2.17 [95% CI 1.29-3.67], p=0.004). Treatment modifications, appointment prolongations or the use of virtual consultation were not associated with a reduction in the risk of COVID-19. On the other hand, 16.7% of patients died during period analyzed due to leukemia (57.5%), COVID-19 (29.2%) or treatment related-mortality (13.2%). Independent factors associated with mortality were AML vs. ALL (OR 1.89 [95% CI: 1.12-3.18], p=0.016), relapsed-refractory disease (OR 8.34 [95% CI: 4.83-14.41], p<0.001), induction/consolidation vs. maintenance therapy (OR 2.20 [95% CI: 1.25-3.18], p<0.001) and the use of virtual consultation (OR 0.35 [95% CI: 0.13-0.94] p=0.037). (Table 1) Discussion/Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant modifications in the standard of care treatment of patients with acute leukemia. The incidence of COVID-19 disease in acute leukemia patients was considerable and more than a third of the patients with acute leukemia and COVID-19 disease died. Despite a short-follow up, 16.7% of the patients died and leukemia-related deaths were the most frequent. In low- and middle-income countries with fragile health systems, the collateral damage for patients with acute leukemia may be just as important as the direct consequences of COVID-19. Disclosures Alvarado: Roche: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Alexion: Speakers Bureau. De la Peña-Celaya:Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Perez:Roche: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Gomez-Almaguer:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene/BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AstraZeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.

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INTRODUCTION Achieving complete remission (CR) is an important goal for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)undergoing treatment with the intent to cure. However, even after consolidation and/or hematopoieticcell transplantation (HCT), many patients will experience disease recurrence. Because of this there has long been an interest in the use of maintenance therapies after the intensive treatment phase to prolong the duration of remission and improve survival and the likelihood of cure. Although the concept of maintenance therapy in AML has been present since the 1960s, it is still a matter of controversy.Azacitidine (AZA) is a hypomethylating agent that acts by incorporating itself into DNA, reversiblyinhibiting DNA methyltransferase, thereby blocking its methylation and activating silenced tumor suppressor genes, resulting in an antitumor effect.Maintenance chemotherapy had not been able to demonstrate improvement in survival. However, in the results of the HOVON-97, Huls et al. showed a 12-month progression free survival (PFS) in 64% of older AML patients who received AZA as maintenance therapy for a maximum of 12 cycles, thus opening the door for new research in this field. OBJECTIVE To know if there is an impact of maintenance treatment with 5-Azacitidine on disease-free survival and progression-free survival, in Acute Myeloid Leukemia in complete remission, in patients who are and are not candidates for bone marrow transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, cohort, analytical, descriptive and single-center study, in the time period between January 2016 and December 2019 (designated the AZA group). Data obtained from patients receiving maintenance was compared with a historic patient cohort (designates as the no-AZA group).This study was approved by the ethics committee of CMN 20 de Noviembre. RESULTS A total of 21 patients were analyzed in the AZA group, of which 53% (n = 12) were women and 37% (n =9) were men, the median age was 54 years with a range of 19 to 65. The median of leukocytes,hemoglobin and platelets of the AZA-group at diagnosis was 22.8x109, 9.3 g/dL, and 44,000 mm3, respectively. Thirty percent had an intermediate cytogenetic risk. In the no-AZA group a total of 18 patients were analyzed, of which 73% (n=11) were female and 26% (n=7) were male, the median age was 57 years with a range of 18 to 64. The median of leukocytes, hemoglobin and platelets at diagnosis was 29.5 x109, 9.5 g/dL, and 57,000 mm3, respectively. In the no-AZA group 8% and 22% had intermediate and high cytogenetic risk, respectively. The median follow up in the no-AZA group was 32 months (10-96). The median of cycles of maintenance with AZA was 12 cycles (1-24); the follow up median, in months, was 19 (range 7-59). The response to maintenance therapy was evaluated after the completion of the first 6 treatment cycles, in which 71.4% maintained a negative minimal residual disease (MRD), and 23.8% experienced a relapse. In the no-AZA group the median time to progression was approximately 8 months, with a PFS median of 15 months; time to progression in the AZA group was approximately 15 months. At the closing of this study the AZA group has not reached the median for PFS (p=0.011) (Figure 1); 42.8% are still in maintenance therapy and in remission, 19% received a bone marrow transplant and are still in remission, 14.4% experienced relapse, 4.8% are in elective suspension of treatment and continue in remission, 9.5% are in observation and palliative care respectively CONCLUSIONS Azacitidine used as maintenance treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia can extend progression free survival. Disclosures De La Peña: Janssen:Speakers Bureau;Novartis:Speakers Bureau;Amgen:Speakers Bureau.Alvarez:Amgen:Speakers Bureau;Roche:Speakers Bureau;Celgene:Speakers Bureau;Novartis:Speakers Bureau;Janssen:Speakers Bureau.Perez:Novartis:Speakers Bureau;Roche:Speakers Bureau;Celgene:Speakers Bureau.Alvarado:Novartis:Speakers Bureau;Amgen:Speakers Bureau;Celgene:Speakers Bureau;Alexion:Speakers Bureau;Roche:Speakers Bureau. OffLabel Disclosure: azacitidine as maintenance for AML it is not approved yet in Mexico

Una paciente de 35 años acudió a Urgencias con dolor típico de cólico biliar y coluria. En la exploración física se observó ictericia. No presentaba fiebre y la tensión arterial era normal. En la analítica presentaba una GOT 350 U/l, GPT 480 U/l, GGT 180 U/l, fosfatasa alcalina 320 U/l y bilirrubina total 10 mg/dl. Como parte del proceso diagnóstico inicial en Urgencias, se realizó una radiografía simple de abdomen (Fig. 1). Se observó una gran cantidad de litiasis redondeadas,

INTRODUCCIÓNLa patología que con más frecuencia ocasiona obstrucción del colédoco son los cálculos biliares (primitivos o migrados desde la vesícula) y los tumores (ampuloma, páncreas, vesícu-la y colangiocarcinoma). La colangiopancreatografía retrógra-da endoscópica (CPRE) es un método consolidado para el tratamiento de la obstrucción biliar (1). La CPRE es quizás el máximo exponente del intervencionismo terapéutico endoscó-pico. Los cálculos coledocianos se pueden extraer tras realizar una esfinterotomía biliar endoscópica (EBE) de la papila de Vater. Cuando por su tamaño no pueden extraerse completamente puede insertarse una prótesis (stent) plástica para facilitar el drenaje biliar. En los tumores que causan ictericia obstructiva neoplásica las prótesis suelen ser un método paliativo eficaz. Los enfermos en edad geriátrica constituyen un grupo importante de pacientes que pueden beneficiarse de las características mínimamente invasivas de esta técnica. Presentamos cinco casos de pacientes con más de 90 años, atendidos en nuestro centro en un plazo de 13 meses (de enero de 2000 a enero de 2001) y a los que se realizaron 6 CPRE con el fin de desobstruir la vía biliar. CASOS APORTADOS (TablaI)Caso 1: Varón de 90 años con colangitis por coledocolitiasis. Antecedentes de EPOC, diabetes mellitus tipo II y fibrilación auricular crónica. En tratamiento con digoxina, amiloride y aspirina. Había sido colecistectomizado hace años. En la intervención quirúrgica se observaron también grandes cálculos coledocianos que no pudieron extraerse, por lo que se realizó una coledocoduodenostomía y esfinteroplastia. Estas medidas no fueron suficientes para conseguir un drenaje biliar satisfactorio, presentado el paciente prurito intenso, colestasis bioquímica y episodios de colangitis. En la CPRE los grandes cálculos coledocianos no pudieron extraerse por la esfinteroplastia y se colocó una prótesis biliar plástica de 10 cm de longitud y 10 french de diámetro, resolvíendose el cuadro de obstrucción biliar.Caso 2: Mujer de 91 años. Antecedentes de accidente cerebrovascular con deterioro cognitivo moderado residual, trombosis venosa profunda en pierna izquierda y úlcera péptica. Presentaba ictericia, fiebre con escalofríos y dilatación ecográfica de la vía biliar. Durante 33 [0212-7199(2002) RESUMENLa colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es un método consolidado para el tratamiento de la obstrucción de la vía biliar. Además, la CPRE ocupa un lugar importante en el intervencionismo endoscópico y por su condición mínimamente invasiva puede aplicarse a una gran variedad de pacientes.Presentamos cinco enfermos con más de 90 años de edad a los que se realizaron 6 CPRE terapéuticas. En todos ellos se drenó la vía biliar sin complicaciones relevantes. Según fuera preciso se realizaron: esfinterotomía biliar, extracción de cálculos coledocianos e inserción de prótesis plásticas. La CPRE terapéutica es una modalidad eficaz y segura de tratar la obstrucción biliar en pacientes por encima de los 90 años.