[Splenic disorders in internal medicines]. / Lesiones esplénicas en medicina interna.

The spleen is the largest lymphopoietic organ, containing 25% of total lymphoid mass. It participates in cellular and humoral immunity and intervenes in the renovation of red cells and the elimination of bacteria. Splenic functions are reduced when the spleen is absent, which entails, amongst other complications, greater susceptibility to suffering from sepsis due to encapsulated organisms. We present 6 clinical cases admitted to the Internal Medicine serve with splenic pathology and we make a review of the approach to be used. The spectrum of splenic lesions in internal medicine is very wide. On occasions, a splenic pathology can be suspected due to clinical history, physical exploration or because of cytopenias in the analyses. Different complementary tests are available for completing study of these lesions. A splenectomy can be carried out in case of diagnostic doubt, with the most frequent diagnoses being hepatic cirrhosis and lymphoma/leukaemia.

Delay and misdiagnosis in sub-massive and non-massive acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information about the extent and clinical importance of the delay in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1998 and 2009, all consecutive patients diagnosed of acute pulmonary embolism from a registry of a single department were evaluated. We recorded the start or shift in symptoms as the beginning of pulmonary embolism and the mistaken diagnosis for which the patients had been treated. We evaluated the factors associated with the delay and misdiagnosis and their relation with mortality. RESULTS: Overall 375 patients were evaluated. Median age was 75 years, interquartile range (IQR) 15, and female 186 (49%). Median delay was 6 (IQR 12) days. Median Wells score was 4.5 (IQR 3). Delay in diagnosis was longer than 6 days in 50% (95% CI 44-55) of patients, longer than 14 days in 25% (95% CI 21-30) and longer than 21 days in 10% (95% CI 7-13). Misdiagnosis occurred in 50% (95% CI 44-55) of patients. Higher age, more days of delay and the absence of syncope or sudden onset dyspnea were factors associated with misdiagnosis. Follow-up was carried out in 331 patients during a median of 31 (IQR 45) months. 36% (95% CI 33-43) of patients died [median 8 (IQR 29) months]. Higher age, misdiagnosis and a history of cancer were factors associated with mortality. Days of delay were not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Delay and misdiagnosis of pulmonary embolism is frequent. Elderly patients and the absence of syncope or sudden onset dyspnea favour the misdiagnosis. Delay in diagnosis does not participate in mortality.

[Low-molecular-weight heparin without oral anticoagulants for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis]. / Tratamiento de la trombosis venosa profunda con heparinas de bajo peso molecular. Estudio comparativo con anticoagulación oral.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: The available data on the utility of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) in the secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are limited. We compared two cohorts of patients diagnosed of DVT. One group followed treatment with LMWH and the other group did with oral anticoagulants (acenocoumarol). Safety was evaluated by the rate of major hemorrhage and 2.5-years period fracture rate, and efficacy was evaluated as the rate of early recurrence and one-year recurrence rate. RESULTS: Of 65 patients treated with LMWH, the hemorrhagic rate was 1.5% (95% CI 0.08-9.40), fracture rate was 7.7% (95% CI 2.87-17.75), early recurrence was 1.5% (95% CI 0.08-9.40) and one-year recurrence was 3% (95% CI 53-11.64). In 118 patients treated with oral anticoagulants the hemorrhagic rate was 3.4% (95% CI 1.09-8.97), odds ratio 0.33, the fracture rate was 11% (95% CI 16.23-18.44), odds ratio 0.66, the early recurrence rate was 5% (95% CI 2.08-11.20), odds ratio 0.60 and one-year recurrence was 3.4% (95%CI 1.09-8.97), odds ratio 0.33. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary prophylaxis of DVT with LMWH is as safe and effective as classical treatment with oral anticoagulants. In this study the 2.5-year period fracture rate was similar in both groups of treatment.

Nocardiosis pulmonar como causa de reagudizaciones en un paciente EPOC / Pulmonary nocardiosis due to reagudizations in a COPD patient

La infección pulmonar por Nocardia sp. es una enfermedad poco frecuente que afecta fundamentalmente a pacientes inmunodeprimidos, aunque también puede hacerlo a pacientes inmunocompetentes. Su diagnóstico se basa en el aislamiento en esputo de Nocardia sp. siendo la clínica y la radiología inespecíficas. El tratamiento se realiza con trimetropin (TMP) sulfametoxazol (SMX), aunque ya se han encontrado casos de resistencia. La duración del tratamiento sigue siendo desconocida recomendándose durante 6 semanas-12 meses. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 81 años con antecedentes de EPOC en tratamiento con corticosteroides de forma crónica que ingresa en nuestro servicio por episodios febriles recidivantes en los tres meses previos al ingreso junto con pérdida de peso e infiltrados densos en Rx de tórax de nueva aparición con cultivo de esputo positivo para Nocardia sp. Y buena evolución tras el inicio de tratamiento con TMP-SMX con desaparición de la fiebre y de los infiltrados

Pulmonary infection due to Nocardia sp. is an infrequent disease that affects principally to immunodefficient patients although it can be also seen in patients with normal immunity. Diagnosis is based in isolation of micro-organism in respiratory samples while clinical presentation and radiology are non specific. Treatment is made with trimethropim-sulfametoxazole (TMP/SMX), though resistance has developed in some patients. The recommended length of treatment is 6 weeks to 12 months depending on the immunitaly status. We present the case of a male patient of 81 years old affected with COPD and treated with glucocorticoids in a chronic basis, who was admitted because relapsing fever episodes during 3 months before, weight loss and new hard pulmonary infiltrates with Nocardia sp. cultured sputum, and evolution to clinical, radiological and microbiologic resolution with TMP/SMX treatment

[Utility of the clinical models for predicting pulmonary thromboembolism]. / Utilidad de los modelos clínicos en la predicción de tromboembolia pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: We considered to evaluate the efectivity of the clinical models for predicting pulmonary thromboembolism (PE). METHODS: Retrospective application of three published clinical models (Wells or Canadian model, Geneva model and Pisa model) to patients unequivocally diagnosed of acute PE. RESULTS: We evaluate 120 patients [Mean age 71+/-13 years, males 63 (52%)]: Nineteen (16%) diagnosed with pulmonary arteriography and 101 (84%) diagnosed with helical computed tomography. In the Canadian model 24% patients were of high clinical probability, 59% intermediate and 17% low clinical probability. In Geneva model 21% patients belonged to high clinical probability, 69% intermediate and 10% low clinical probability. In Pisa model 49% patients were of high clinical probability, 45% intermediate and 6% of low clinical probability. Sensitivity was 0.59, 0.67 and 0.89 respectively. Factors associated with low probability were in Canadian model the heart rate, the absence of signs of deep venous thrombosis, the presence of an alternative diagnosis and the low rate of cancer. In Geneva model, age, normal heart rate and PaO2 higher 70 mm Hg were associated with low probability, while in Pisa model normal chest X-Ray and radiological signs of pulmonary oedema were also associated with low clinical probability. CONCLUSIONS: Although all three clinical model showed deficiencies Pisa model was the most suitable clinical model for predicting PE. An intermediate clinical probability in the three models, should not serve to rule out PE, besides it is remarkable that patients with low clinical probability still could have PE, providing for clinical models with a limited value.

[Pulmonary nocardiosis due to reagudizations in a COPD patient]. / Nocardiosis pulmonar como causa de reagudizaciones en un paciente EPOC.

Pulmonary infection due to Nocardia sp. is an infrequent disease that affects principally to immunodefficient patients although it can be also seen in patients with normal immunity. Diagnosis is based in isolation of micro-organism in respiratory samples while clinical presentation and radiology are non specific. Treatment is made with trimethropim-sulfametoxazole (TMP/SMX), though resistance has developed in some patients. The recommended length of treatment is 6 weeks to 12 months depending on the immunitaly status. We present the case of a male patient of 81 years old affected with COPD and treated with glucocorticoids in a chronic basis, who was admitted because relapsing fever episodes during 3 months before, weight loss and new hard pulmonary infiltrates with Nocardia sp. cultured sputum, and evolution to clinical, radiological and microbiologic resolution with TMP/SMX treatment.

[Quality management in patients with heart failure inside an Internal Medicine Department]. / Calidad del manejo de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca en el Servicio de Medicina Interna.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality management of Heart failure within an Internal Medicine Department, based in quality criteria settled in ACOVE study. METHODS: Retrospective study reporting 267 patients admitted to our Internal Medicine Department with a diagnosis of heart failure (from January 2001 to January 2001). We applied ACOVE protocol to evaluate quality of management assigning a positive numerical score to every accomplished section and a negative score to those sections that were not carried out. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty seven patients and their clinical records were evaluated (Mean age 76 +/- 9 years, male 50%). They had a mean score of 6.72 +/- 1.33 points. Heart failure etiology was determined in 82% (33% ischemic heart failure, 30% hypertensive heart disease, 12% valvulopathy and 7% others). ACE-Inhibitors/ARA II were used in 66% of patients, with poor utilization of beta-blockers (16%), calcium channel blockers (7%) and class I antiarrhythmic drugs (1%). 94% of patients had written instructions about manage of their disease. Only 36% of patients had an echocardiography study. In patients with atrial fibrillation, 19% were treated with oral anticoagulants and 26% with anti-platelet drugs. In-hospital mortality rate was 4%. We could not meet differences among different physicians and their gender in department of Internal Medicine treating for heart failure, however the score of patients older 70 years was 6.5 +/- 1.38 points while score in younger to years was 7.15 +/- 1.17 points (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Management of heart failure in our department of Internal Medicine is acceptable. However, there are several points in which improvement could be reached, much as to increase the utilization of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in handling of heart failure and to rise the are of echocardiography in the evaluation of these patients. Moreover, older patients showed a lower quality level that could be improved.

[Low-molecular-weight heparin for the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Comparison with unfractionated intravenous heparin]. / Tratamiento del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo con heparina de bajo peso molecular subcutánea. Comparación con heparina no fracionada intravenosa.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low-molecular-weight heparins have been demonstrated at least as useful as unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease. Our aim was to know the effectivity and security of subcutaneous enoxaparin in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. METHODS: We compared the effectivity and security of two doses daily, subcutaneous injected enoxaparin adjusted to body weight, and standard treatment with continuous intravenous UFH, determining the rate of major bleeding, in-hospital death and recurrent venous thromboembolic disease in long-term follow up. Massive pulmonary thromboembolism was defined as thrombotic material seen in main pulmonary arteries. RESULTS: Thirty eight patients were treated with UFH (Mean age 72 SD 9 years, male 58%, massive pulmonary thromboembolism 24%) and 65 patients were treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin (Mean age 71 SD 12 years, male 52%, massive pulmonary thromboembolism 49%). Major bleeding rate was 8% in UHF group and 3% in enoxaparin group (Difference 37%, 95% Confidence interval -0.16 to 0.06, p=0.21). In-hospital death rate was 8% in UHF group and 1.5% in enoxaparin group (Difference 25%, 95% Confidence interval -0.17 to 0.04, p=0.11). Recurrent thromboembolism rate was 44% in UFH group and 13% in enoxaparin group (Difference 30%, 95% Confidence interval -0.60 to -0.02, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism with low-molecular-heparin is effective and safe, even in massive pulmonary embolism.

Calidad del manejo de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca en el Servicio de Medicina Interna / Quality management in patients with Herat failure incide and internal medicine department

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad asistencial de los pacientes ingresados en nuestro Servicio de Medicina Interna con diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca, basándonos en una serie de criterios de calidad recogidos en el estudio ACOVE. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo mediante protocolo de datos de 267 informes de alta de pacientes ingresados en Medicina Interna en los que uno de los diagnósticos fue el de insuficiencia cardiaca (periodo de enero 2001- enero 2002). Resultados: Valoramos 267 informes de alta (edad media 76 +/-9, siendo varones el 50%). Respecto al estudio ACOVE la puntuación media obtenida fue de 6,72 +/- 1,33. Se determinó las causas de insuficiencia cardiaca en el 82% de los casos (33% isquémico-dilatada, 30% hipertensiva, 12% valvular y 7% otras). El empleo de IECAS/ARA 11 se realizó en el 66% de los pacientes, con escasa utilización de otros fármacos como los Beta-bloqueantes (16%), calcioantagonistas (7%) y antiarrítmicos de clase I (1 %). El 94% de los pacientes recibieron instrucciones breves acerca del manejo de su enfermedad. Sólo un 36% presentaban estudio ecocardiográfico. Ellos pacientes con fibrilación auricular, el 19% fueron tratados con anticoagulación y el 26% con antiagregación. La mortalidad intrahospita-laria fue de un 4%. En el estudio, no hubo diferencias de puntuación entre los diferentes staff del departamento en el manejo de la insuficiencia cardiaca. Así mismo, tampoco se hallaron diferencias en relación al sexo. La edad fue un factor a tener en cuenta: > 70 años, score 6,5 +/- 1,38; < 70 años, score 7,15 +/- 1,17 (p = 0,011).Conclusiones: El manejo de la insuficiencia cardiaca en nuestro servicio de M.Interna es aceptable. Sin embargo, existen importantes puntos donde se debería mejorar, como el aumento de la utilización de lECA S y b-bloqueantes en la insuficiencia cardiaca y el incremento en el uso de la ecocardiografía. Además, en los pacientes de edad avanzada se ha demostrado que el nivel de calidad alcanzado es inferior, lo cual deberemos mejorar

Objective: To evaluate the quality management of Heart failure within an Internal Medicine Department, based in quality criteria settled in ACOVE study. Methods: Retrospective study reporting 267 patients admitted to our Internal Medicine Department with a diagnosis of heart failure (from lanuary 2001 to lanuary 2001). We applied ACOVE protocol to evaluate quality of management assigning a positive numerical score to every accomplished section and a negative score to those sections that were not carried out. Results: Two hundred and sixty seven patients and their clinical records were evaluated (Mean age 76 +/- 9 years, male 50%). They had a mean score of 6,72 +/- 1.33 points. Heart failure etiology was determined in 82% (33% ischemic heart failure, 30% hypertensive heart disease, 12% valvulopathy and 7% others). ACE-Inhibitors/ARA 11 were used in 66% of patients, with poor utilization of beta-blockers (16%), calcium channel blockers (7%) and class 1 antiarrhythmic drugs (1 %). 94% of patients ha4 written instructions about manage of their disease. Only 36% of patients had an echocardiography study. In patients with atrial fibrillation, 19% were treated with oral anticoagulants and 26% with anti-platelet drugs. Inhospital mortality rate was 4%. We could not meet differences among different physicians and their gender in department of Internal Medicine treating for heart failure, however the score ofpatients older 70 years was 6.5 +/- 1.38 points while score in younger to years was 7.I5 +/- 1.17 points (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Management of heart failure in our department of Internal Medicine is acceptable. However, there are several points in which improvement could be reached, much as to increase the utilization of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in handling of heart failure and to rise the are of echocardiography in the evaluation of these patiens. Moreover, older patients showed a lower quality level that could be improved

Tratamiento del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo con heparina de bajo peso molecular subcutánea. Comparación con heparina no fracionada intravenosa / Low-molecular-weight heparin for the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Comparison with unfractionated intravenous heparin

Fundamento y objetivos: Desde la introducción en la terapéutica de las heparinas de bajo peso molecular, éstas se han venido utilizando con una eficacia similar o superior a la heparina no fraccionada para el tratamiento de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Nuestro propósito fue conocer la eficacia de enoxaparina en el tratamiento del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo. Métodos: Comparamos la eficacia de enoxaparina subcutánea dos veces al día a dosis de 1 mg/kg de peso con la de heparina no fraccionada por vía endovenosa de forma continua en pacientes diagnosticados de tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo determinando la tasa de hemorragia mayor, muerte en el episodio índice y tasa de reicidiva. Como tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo se consideró la visualización de trombos en las arterias pulmonares principales. Resultados: Treinta y ocho pacientes fueron tratados con heparina no fraccionada intravenosa de forma continua (edad 72 ± 9 años, varón 58%, tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo 24%) y 65 pacientes fueron tratados con enoxaparina (edad 71 ± 12 años, varón 52%, tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo 49%). La tasa de hemorragia mayor durante la hospitalización índice fue de8% en el grupo de heparina no fraccionada y de 3% en el grupo de enoxaparina (riesgo relativo 5,2; diferencia de riesgos 0,63; reducción de episodios de 37% CI 95% -0,16 a 0,06%, p=0,21), la tasa de muerte intrahospitalaria fue de 8% en el grupo de heparina no fraccionada y de1,5% en el grupo enoxaparina (riesgo relativo 1,52; diferencia de riesgos 1,54; reducción de muerte de 25%, CI 95% -0,17 a 0,04%, p = 0,11). La tasa de recidiva fue de 44% en el grupo de tratados con heparina no fraccionada y de 13% en el grupo de enoxaparina (riesgo relativo 1,80; riesgo atribuible 6,48; reducción de riesgo de 30%, CI 95% -0,60 a 0,02, p =0,01). Conclusión: El tratamiento del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo con heparina de bajo peso molecular (enoxaparina) es más eficaz que el tratamiento con heparina no fraccionada de forma continua, produciéndose menos hemorragias, menos muertes intrahospitalarias y menor tasa de recidivas, aun cuando el tromboembolismo pulmonar sea masivo

Background and objectives: Low-molecular-weight heparins have been demonstrated at least as useful as unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease. Our aim was to know the effectivity and security of subcutaneous enoxaparin in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: We compared the effectivity and security of two doses daily, subcutaneous injected enoxaparin adjusted to body weight, and standard treatment with continuous intravenous UFH, determining the rate of major bleeding, in-hospital death and recurrent venous thromboembolic disease in long-term follow up. Massive pulmonary thromboembolism was defined as thrombotic material seen in main pulmonary arteries. Results: Thirty eight patients were treated with UFH (Mean age 72SD 9 years, male 58%, massive pulmonary thromboembolism 24%) and 65 patients were treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin (Mean age 71SD 12 years, male 52%, massive pulmonary thromboembolism 49%). Major bleeding rate was 8% in UHF group and 3% in enoxaparin group (Difference 37%, 95% Confidence interval -0.16 to 0.06, p=0.21). In-hospital death rate was 8% in UHF group and 1.5% in enoxaparin group (Difference 25%, 95% Confidence interval -0.17 to 0.04, p=0.11). Recurrent thromboembolism rate was 44% in UFH group and 13% inenoxaparin group (Difference 30%, 95% Confidence interval -0.60 to -0.02, p=0.01). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism with low-molecular-heparin is effective and safe, even in massive pulmonary embolism

[Acute lung embolism: a prospective study from May 1992, to May 2002]. / Embolismo pulmonar agudo. Un registro de 10 años: de mayo de 1992 a mayo de 2002.

INTRODUCTION: To define de prevalence, the clinical profile, the predisposing factors and the hospital evolution of clinical acute lung thromboembolism episodes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study from May 1992, to May 2002, of acute lung embolism in an Internal Medicine ward with 8 beds in Hospital of Navarra (EPHONA). Clinical acute lung thromboembolism is defined by the clinical characteristics together the demonstration of thrombi in the lung arteries with arteriography, helicoid computerized axial tomography, or high or average probability lung gammagraphy, together the demonstration of deep venous thrombosis with doppler ultrasound or phlebography. We compared the clinical spectrum with that of international clinical series, evaluated the possibility of clinical syndromes according to the size of the affected vessel (central vs. peripheral), and compared the characteristics of patients with manifest deep venous thrombosis with those of the patients with clinical acute lung thromboembolism and without a known emboli source. RESULTS: In the period of 10 years, and with 2,493 patients admitted, 106 clinical acute lung thromboembolism were diagnosed (prevalence: 4.25%; CI: 3.51-5.14; p < 0.05); these patients were 72 +/- 11 years, in other words, an age 5 years higher than the rest of the patients (p < 0.001). There was a delay of 10 days from the beginning of the symptomatology up to the hospitalization. The clinical spectrum was similar to that of other reported series except by the presence of cough and pleural rub (p < 0.001). The main predisposing factors were immobility (41%) and cancer (25%). Hospital mortality was 3.77%. In 70 (66%) patients we obtained information on the affected vessel, not being fulfilled the association of specific clinical syndromes with the size of the vessel, although the patients with central clinical acute lung thromboembolism showed higher deterioration of gas exchange (p = 0.002) and higher activation of the fibrinolysis (p = 0.012) than patients with peripheral clinical acute lung thromboembolism. 35% of episodes of clinical acute lung thromboembolism developed without simultaneous deep venous thrombosis and showed higher disturbance of gas exchange (p = 0.03) and arterial hypotension (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical acute lung thromboembolism is a frequent condition that occurs in patients of advanced age and that shows low hospital mortality when is diagnosed and treated even with a 10-day delay up to the diagnosis. The clinical spectrum is similar to that observed in other parts of the world, but the cough as a prominent a symptom and the pleural rub should propose other diagnostic alternatives. The size of the affected pulmonary vessel is not related with a specific clinical syndrome, although the central clinical acute lung thromboembolism evolves with higher disturbance of the gas exchange. In the third of clinical acute lung thromboembolism episodes an emboli source is not demonstrated, perhaps because all emboli has migrate to the pulmonary arteries; these episodes give rise to higher hypotension and disturbance of the gas exchange.

[Eight cases of rheumatism associated with cancer]. / Ocho casos de reumatismos asociados a cáncer.

OBJECTIVE: To study the rheumatic diseases associated with cancer diagnosed in an Internal Medicine Service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study of the patients diagnosed during 1992-2000 of different rheumatic diseases associated with cancer. RESULTS: During a period of 9 years we identified 8 cases of paraneoplastic rheumatisms about a total of 2,127 patient, representing an incidence of 3.7@1000, with a predominance in males. The consultation motive in all them was the clinic of the rheumatic disease. Six of the eight neoplasias were adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Though the paraneoplastic rheumatisms are not frequent, it is necessary take into account their existence when exist antecedent of neoplasia, in patient male and when the clinical course or response to the treatment is atypical.

[Pulmonary thromboembolism: long term course and clinical epidemiology]. / Tromboembolismo pulmonar: evolución a largo plazo y epidemiología clínica.

BACKGROUND: Long-term clinical course of pulmonary thromboembolism is not well-known. Our aim was to know the events which occur to in-patients diagnosed of pulmonary embolism. METHODS AND PATIENTS: This is a prospective observational study from May-92 to December-2002 with all in-patients diagnosed of pulmonary thromboembolism at a clinical area of Internal Medicine. Main targets were to know survival, relapses, major hemorrhage rate (Defined as those episodes of bleeding which needed blood transfusion and readmission) and cancer associated rate (Previous and newly diagnosed cancer). Follow up were carried out with telephone contacts with patients and relatives in case of death, and with the computerized system of patients and clinical events of Health Service of Navarra. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients were included in the study (Mean age 72 SD 11 years male 54%). During index episode 4 (3.7%) patients dead. Ten patients were lost in follow up. The rest 102 patients were traced for 31.81 SD 31.23 months (Range 1-127). Relapse rate was 19.6% that occurred 22.64 SD 24.57 (Range 1-73) months after index episode (Twelve pulmonary embolisms, 5 deep venous thromboses and 3 sudden death with dyspnea). Major hemorrhage rate was 10.4%. During follow up 14 (13.7%) new cancers were diagnosed (Lung 4, prostate 2, bladder 2, and colorectal, ovary, breast, liver and kidney one each one). At all prevalence of cancer associated with pulmonary thromboembolism was 31%. Mortality rate was 37% (Men 25%, women 49%, p < 0.01). Main causes of death were cancer (32%) and relapse of pulmonary thromboembolism when joined with treatment complications 24%. Half of deaths occurred in the first year of follow up, showing a shortened survival those patients with cancer (p = 0.02) and patients with relapses of pulmonary embolism (p = 0.06). Beyond the first year, mortality declines to a rate of 10% per year mainly because of cardiovascular causes. Mortality associated factors were age > 75 years (p < 0.001) gender female (p < 0.01), a delayed admission and treatment from the beginning of symptoms (p < 0.05), higher LDH level (p < 0.01) and coexistence of cancer (p < 0.05). In logistic-regression analysis age, delayed admission and treatment and higher LDH levels were predictors of long-term death. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pulmonary embolism show a high mortality rate, with a critical period during the first year after index episode, being deaths associated to cancer and to a composite of relapse of venous thromboembolic disease and bleeding complications. Mortality rate beyond the first year declines, being deaths explained because of cardiovascular causes. An advanced age, a delayed diagnosis and treatment and serum LDH may predict long-term mortality.

C-reactive protein as a predictor of improvement and readmission in heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Only recently, new risk factors to explain atherosclerotic disease have been identified. One of the most important clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis is heart failure. Our study was aimed at investigating C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, in the context of heart failure, and to determine its usefulness in predicting the need for readmission in patients with heart failure and their degree of improvement. DESIGN: We studied patients admitted to our hospital due to heart failure, independent of the cause. CRP levels were measured with a sensitive standard assay on a Nephelometer analyser. Patients were classified on admission and discharge following New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional criteria; left ejection fraction was also determined by transthoracic echocardiography. Patients presenting clear sources of infection or inflammatory disease were excluded. Our control group consisted of patients admitted for syncope. Each patient was followed up through a computer system controlling admissions to and discharge from the hospital, for a period of 18 months after initial admission. End points considered were NYHA functional class on discharge, readmission and death. RESULTS: We studied prospectively 76 patients with a mean age of 73.5+/-11 [95% confidence interval (CI) 71.2-75.8]; 44 were male (58%) and 32 female (42%). The mean CRP level in patients with heart failure was 3.94+/-5.87 (95% CI, 1.26-7.60), while in 15 patients with syncope it was 0.84+/-1.95 (95% CI, 0.96-2.94) (P=0.0007). The principal causes of heart failure included dilated cardiomyopathy due to coronary arterial disease (30%), valvular disease (28%) and heart failure secondary to hypertension (25%). The mean left ejection fraction adequately measured in 72 (95%) patients was 50.41+/-9.88 (95% CI, 41.20-59.65). We observed a trend of higher CRP levels in relation to ejection fractions below 35%: 7.50+/-9.88 vs. 3.75+/-4.57, (P=0.09). Our results showed that on discharge CRP levels increased in relation to NYHA class: I: 0.74+/-0.69; II: 3.78+/-3.76; III: 7.4+/-8.65; IV: 12.2+/-15.27 (P<0.05). On follow-up of each patient for 18 months, 32 (43%) were readmitted due to deterioration of their heart condition. For patients who were readmitted, those presenting CRP levels >0.9 mg/dl were identified as candidates for earlier hospitalisation than those with levels below 0.9 mg/dl (P=0.02) RR=1.43. In logistic-regression analysis the only group of tested variables predicting readmission were levels of CRP, NYHA class and plasmatic K on discharge and left ventricle ejection fraction. Analysis of covariates yields CRP levels as being an independent predictor of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: An inflammatory response is present in deteriorating heart failure. We observed higher CRP levels in patients with higher NYHA functional class, perhaps signalling a poor therapeutic response. Higher CRP levels were also related to higher rates of readmission and mortality and it could be an independent marker of improvement and readmission in heart failure.

[Hospital readmission in internal medicine]. / Reingreso hospitalario en Medicina Interna.

BACKGROUND: The readmission rate could be a valuable tool as measurement of hospital quality. Readmissions are due to several factors: clinical, hospital related and patient related. We analyze readmission to internal medicine in a hospital of third level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 11 months in 1988 we counted all readmissions (R) defined as every previous admission occurred in a span of five years into an area of internal medicine composed by 8 beds. We counted number of readmssions, time from the last readmission, living area (city vs country), sort of primary care physician (GP vs family care specialist), living way (single, with family, institution, homeless). Precipitating factors were observed as well as diseases causing it. R were classified as R related (RR) when readmission was provoked by the same pathological condition or a complication. Multi-readmission (MR), those R caused by the same disease process and treated in different areas and services of the hospital. Avoidable R (AR), those R which did not fullfil AEP criteria. Early readmission (ER) those R occurring before 30 days after last discharge. RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven patients (mean age 67.93 (SD 15.51), males 64%, mean length of stay 7.75 (SD 4.35), 93% admitted from emergency yard, mortality rate 3.5%) were included. R were 111 (35.5%), RR 83 (26 and 75% of RR), MR 68 (82% of RR), ER 33 (39.7% of RR) and AR 16 (19.2% of RR) patients. The most frequent diseases were heart failure and chronic respiratory diseases. Main causes of R were worsening of chronic disease 41 (37%), non-appropriale ambulatory management 24 (22%) erroneous diagnosis 8 (7%), iatrogenic effect 7 (6%), new disease 29 (26%) and others 2 (2%). Mortality rate in R patients was 7.2% (confidence interval 95% 2 to 9%). Number of readmissions were 3.22 (SD 2.25) and time to readmission 8.99 (SD 11.96) months. Living in city (p < 0.05) and to be cared by family physician (p < 0.01) both were factors accelerating readmission. Patients with RR had a higher number of readmissions (3.55 SD 2.23 p < 0.001) and they occurred sooner (8.03 SD 11.85) (p < 0.01). There was a trend to higher readmission rate in female (p 0.052). Fifty-seven percent of RR patients did not have consultation with primary care physician (p < 0.05) (confidence interval 95% 3 to 39%). Consultation with primary care yielded a delay in readmission of 5 months (p < 0.01). Patients with MR had an increased number of readmissions (p < 0.01). Associated factors were iatrogenic effect (p < 0.05), non-appropriate ambulatory management (p < 0.001) and worsening chronic disease (p < 0.001). Patients with ER were readmitted 0.45 (SD 0.30) months after the last discharge and they had a higher mortality rate (p < 0.05). Patients with AR had a mean length of stay shorter (p < 0.05), a trend to higher readmission rate (p = 0.06) and sooner (p = 0.08) with a null mortality rate (p < 0.01). As risk factors for RR in logistic regression were identified MR, AR, ER and causes of readmission consisting in worsening of chronic disease, non-appropriate ambulatory management, erroneous diagnosis and iatrogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our readmission rate is 26%, chronic respiratory diseases and heart failure being the main diseases. Over 39% of causes of readmission could be preventable and there is a facilitation phenomenon in number and time to readmission caused by previous readmissions. Risk factors for readmission in internal medicine are multi-readmission, early and avoidable readmission and as specific causes worsening of chronic disease, non-appropriate ambulatory management, erroneous diagnosis and iatrogenic effect.

Asymptomatic gastroduodenal anisakiasis as the cause of anaphylaxis.

A great number of parasites have been reported in fish, but only a few of them are capable of infecting human beings. Anisakiasis or anisakidosis is caused by sea nematodes of the genus Anisakis, with the main implicated species being Anisakis simplex. Infection with Anisakis causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from symptoms related to the upper and occasionally lower digestive tract to allergic manifestations, mainly urticaria and anaphylaxis. We report a case of asymptomatic gastroduodenal anisakiasis presenting as severe anaphylaxis.