Treatment variability and its relationships to outcomes among patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite guidelines and recommendations, Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) treatment lacks evidence, leading to clinical practice variability. AIMS: Given the overall lack of information on thiamine use for WE treatment, we analyzed data from a large, well-characterized multicenter sample of patients with WE, examining thiamine dosages; factors associated with the use of different doses, frequencies, and routes; and the influence of differences in thiamine treatment on the outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted with data from 443 patients from 21 centers obtained from a nationwide registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (from 2000 to 2012). Discharge codes and Caine criteria were applied for WE diagnosis, and treatment-related (thiamine dosage, frequency, and route of administration) demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We found marked variability in WE treatment and a low rate of high-dose intravenous thiamine administration. Seventy-eight patients out of 373 (20.9%) received > 300mg/day of thiamine as initial dose. Patients fulfilling the Caine criteria or presenting with the classic WE triad more frequently received parenteral treatment. Delayed diagnosis (after 24h hospitalization), the fulfillment of more than two Caine criteria at diagnosis, mental status alterations, and folic acid deficiency were associated significantly with the lack of complete recovery. Malnutrition, reduced consciousness, folic acid deficiency, and the lack of timely thiamine treatment were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show extreme variability in thiamine dosages and routes used in the management of WE. Measures should be implemented to ensure adherence to current guidelines and to correct potential nutritional deficits in patients with alcohol use disorders or other risk factors for WE.

Mean platelet volume and mortality in patients with alcohol use disorder.

Several recent studies have pointed out the relationship of platelet size with increased mortality or adverse clinical course. Most studies show that increased mean platelet volume (MPV) may be associated with a deleterious outcome in different settings such as sepsis or neoplasia, whereas other researchers have found the opposite. In inflammatory conditions there is an altered secretion of several cytokines, some of them exerting a marked influence on platelet biogenesis and/or on platelet activation and aggregation. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic situation characterized by a protracted low-grade inflammation. In this study we analyze the relationship between proinflammatory cytokines and MPV and their relationships with mortality in patients with alcohol abuse. We determined serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 and routine laboratory variables among 184 patients with alcohol use disorder admitted to our hospital and followed-up for a median of 42 months. We found that MPV was inversely related to TNF-α (ρ=-0.34), and directly to IL-8 (ρ=0.32, p<0.001 in both cases) and to IL-6 (ρ=0.15; p = 0.046). Reduced MPV was related both with short-term (<6 months) and long-term mortality. Conclusion: These results suggest that inflammatory cytokines are strongly related to MPV. A low MPV is associated with a poor prognosis among patients with alcohol use disorder.

Identifying gaps in the cascade of care for latent TB infection in a low-incidence setting.

BACKGROUND: The End TB Strategy calls for the global scale-up of treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI). We aimed to evaluate a nurse-led care programme for LTBI by identifying gaps in the care cascade in a low-incidence TB setting.METHODS: We included people at risk of TB over a 15-year period. We define three main outcomes in the LTBI care cascade: 1) attendance at the first appointment, 2) completion of the evaluation process, and 3) completion of treatment.RESULTS: We identified 6,126 individuals (2,369 TB contacts, 1,749 biological therapy candidates, and 2,008 transplant candidates). Overall, 5,938 (96.9%) attended, 5,872/5,938 (98.9%) completed the evaluation and 1,624/1,847 (87.9%) completed treatment. Pre-biological (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.54-3.49) and pre-transplant (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.20-2.76) candidates were more likely to attend the first appointment, while age was associated with completing the evaluation process (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.003-1.04). Female sex (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.08-1.99) was associated with completing the treatment.CONCLUSION: Successful assessment and treatment of LTBI is achievable when delivered as a part of a comprehensive, nurse-led, patient-centred programme in specialist TB clinics.

Skin Autoimmunity Secondary to Alemtuzumab in a Tertiary Care Spanish Hospital.

Background and Objectives: The most common adverse events (AEs) after alemtuzumab (ALZ) include adverse infusion reactions, infections, and autoimmune disorders. Skin AEs are common during infusion, but there are few reported cases of long-term skin autoimmune disease. Methods: A retrospective case series of patients developing long-term autoimmune skin disorders after ALZ administration in a tertiary care hospital. Results: Of 133 patients treated with ALZ, 8 patients (6.02%) developed 9 autoimmune cutaneous AEs, including 4 events of alopecia areata, 2 of vitiligo, 2 of chronic urticaria, and 1 of inflammatory atrichia. Three of them occurred between the first and the second infusion. Discussion: The lesions described are secondary to autoimmune disorders, probably related to immune dysregulation because of a differential lymphocyte repopulation after ALZ. Autoimmune cutaneous AEs may be frequent, and it would be recommended to monitor its appearance to treat them.

Design of Functional Powdered Beverages Containing Co-Microcapsules of Sacha Inchi P. huayllabambana Oil and Antioxidant Extracts of Camu Camu and Mango Skins.

Sacha inchi Plukenetia huayllabambana oil (SIPHO) was co-microencapsulated, by spray drying using gum arabic as a coating material, with antioxidant extracts of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh) (CCSE) and mango (Mangifera indica) (MSE) skins obtained by ultrasound-microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE). The physicochemical characteristics of the microcapsules, such as, particle size, morphology, and moisture, as well as the encapsulation efficiency, the fatty acid composition, and oxidative stability, were determined in order to select the best formulation for the design of functional powdered beverages. The formulation with the highest amounts of ω3 acids and polyphenols was used to prepare a functional powdered beverage that contained ω3 (52.74%), antioxidant activity (324.80 mg AAE/100 g powder), and acceptable sensory attributes.

Identificación del síndrome de piernas inquietas en estudios polisomnográficos y su asociación con otras variables / Identification of restless legs syndrome in polysomnography studies and its association with other variables

Introducción: El síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI) es un trastorno del movimiento caracterizado por un impulso incontrolable de mover las piernas en respuesta a una sensación desagradable. La coexistencia de SPI junto con otros trastornos del sueño y del estado de ánimo puede modificar el enfoque terapéutico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de SPI en adultos estudiados con polisomnografía y evaluar su asociación con otros trastornos del sueño y del estado de ánimo. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se incluyó a adultos estudiados con polisomnografía entre 2015 y 2021. Se recopiló información sobre sus antecedentes, datos polisomnográficos y trastornos del ánimo y del sueño mediante un cuestionario escrito autoadministrado que forma parte de la evaluación de todos los pacientes referidos a esta unidad de sueño. Se compararon estas variables en relación con la presencia de SPI. Resultados: Se incluyó a 406 pacientes. La prevalencia de SPI fue del 36,7% (n = 149). La presencia de fatiga (45,3%), insomnio moderado a grave (38,9%) y depresión (45,6%) fue mayor en sujetos con SPI. No se encontraron diferencias en relación con somnolencia diurna y síntomas de ansiedad. Los movimientos periódicos de las piernas no se asociaron con SPI (p = 0,26) y su prevalencia fue baja. Conclusión: La prevalencia de SPI en sujetos estudiados con polisomnografía fue elevada y se asoció a fatiga clínicamente significativa, insomnio y depresión. Estos síntomas deberían identificarse para establecer una estrategia terapéutica adecuada. La prevalencia de movimientos periódicos de las piernas fue baja y no se vinculó con SPI, hallazgo que contrasta con lo publicado previamente. Se requieren estudios adicionales para esclarecer la causa de esta asociación.(AU)

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs in response to an unpleasant sensation. The coexistence of RLS and other sleep and mood disorders may require adjustment in the therapeutic strategy. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of RLS in adults studied with polysomnography and to evaluate its association with other sleep and mood disorders. Patients and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. We included adults studied with polysomnography between 2015 and 2021. We collected information on their medical history, polysomnographic data and mood and sleep disorders using a self-administered written questionnaire which is part of the routine evaluation of all patients referred to this sleep unit. These variables were compared between patients with and without RLS. Results: We included 406 patients. The prevalence of RLS was 36.7% (n = 149). The presence of fatigue (45.3%), moderate to severe insomnia (38.9%) and depression (45.6%) was higher in subjects with RLS. We did not find differences regarding daytime sleepiness and anxiety symptoms. Periodic Limb Movements (PLM) was not associated with RLS (p = 0.26) and its prevalence was low. Conclusion: The prevalence of RLS in subjects studied with Polysomnography is high and it was associated with clinically significant fatigue, insomnia and depression. These symptoms should be identified in order to establish an adequate therapeutic strategy. The prevalence of periodic limb movements was low and was not linked with RLS. These findings contrast with previous publications. Therefore, it requires additional studies to clarify the cause of this variation.(AU)

[Identification of restless legs syndrome in polysomnography studies and its association with other variables]. / Identificación del síndrome de piernas inquietas en estudios polisomnográficos y su asociación con otras variables.

INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs in response to an unpleasant sensation. The coexistence of RLS and other sleep and mood disorders may require adjustment in the therapeutic strategy. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of RLS in adults studied with polysomnography and to evaluate its association with other sleep and mood disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study. We included adults studied with polysomnography between 2015 and 2021. We collected information on their medical history, polysomnographic data and mood and sleep disorders using a self-administered written questionnaire which is part of the routine evaluation of all patients referred to this sleep unit. These variables were compared between patients with and without RLS. RESULTS: We included 406 patients. The prevalence of RLS was 36.7% (n = 149). The presence of fatigue (45.3%), moderate to severe insomnia (38.9%) and depression (45.6%) was higher in subjects with RLS. We did not find differences regarding daytime sleepiness and anxiety symptoms. Periodic Limb Movements (PLM) was not associated with RLS (p = 0.26) and its prevalence was low. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RLS in subjects studied with Polysomnography is high and it was associated with clinically significant fatigue, insomnia and depression. These symptoms should be identified in order to establish an adequate therapeutic strategy. The prevalence of periodic limb movements was low and was not linked with RLS. These findings contrast with previous publications. Therefore, it requires additional studies to clarify the cause of this variation.

TITLE: Identificación del síndrome de piernas inquietas en estudios polisomnográficos y su asociación con otras variables.Introducción. El síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI) es un trastorno del movimiento caracterizado por un impulso incontrolable de mover las piernas en respuesta a una sensación desagradable. La coexistencia de SPI junto con otros trastornos del sueño y del estado de ánimo puede modificar el enfoque terapéutico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de SPI en adultos estudiados con polisomnografía y evaluar su asociación con otros trastornos del sueño y del estado de ánimo. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se incluyó a adultos estudiados con polisomnografía entre 2015 y 2021. Se recopiló información sobre sus antecedentes, datos polisomnográficos y trastornos del ánimo y del sueño mediante un cuestionario escrito autoadministrado que forma parte de la evaluación de todos los pacientes referidos a esta unidad de sueño. Se compararon estas variables en relación con la presencia de SPI. Resultados. Se incluyó a 406 pacientes. La prevalencia de SPI fue del 36,7% (n = 149). La presencia de fatiga (45,3%), insomnio moderado a grave (38,9%) y depresión (45,6%) fue mayor en sujetos con SPI. No se encontraron diferencias en relación con somnolencia diurna y síntomas de ansiedad. Los movimientos periódicos de las piernas no se asociaron con SPI (p = 0,26) y su prevalencia fue baja. Conclusión. La prevalencia de SPI en sujetos estudiados con polisomnografía fue elevada y se asoció a fatiga clínicamente significativa, insomnio y depresión. Estos síntomas deberían identificarse para establecer una estrategia terapéutica adecuada. La prevalencia de movimientos periódicos de las piernas fue baja y no se vinculó con SPI, hallazgo que contrasta con lo publicado previamente. Se requieren estudios adicionales para esclarecer la causa de esta asociación.

Daily consumption of wild olive (acebuche) oil reduces blood pressure and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling in rats with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced hypertension.

Despite numerous reports on the beneficial effects of olive oil in the cardiovascular context, very little is known about the olive tree's wild counterpart (Olea europaea, L. var. sylvestris), commonly known as acebuche (ACE) in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible beneficial effects of an extra virgin ACE oil on vascular function in a rodent model of arterial hypertension (AH) induced by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Four experimental groups of male Wistar rats were studied: (1) normotensive rats (Control group); (2) normotensive rats fed a commercial diet supplemented with 15 % (w/w) ACE oil (Acebuche group); (3) rats made hypertensive following administration of L-NAME (L-NAME group); and (4) rats treated with L-NAME and simultaneously supplemented with 15 % ACE oil (LN + ACE group). All treatments were maintained for 12 weeks. Besides a significant blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect, the ACE oil-enriched diet counteracted the alterations found in aortas from hypertensive rats in terms of morphology and responsiveness to vasoactive mediators. In addition, a decrease in hypertension-related fibrotic and oxidative stress processes was observed in L-NAME-treated rats subjected to ACE oil supplement. Therefore, using a model of AH via nitric oxide depletion, here we demonstrate the beneficial effects of a wild olive oil based upon its vasodilator, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antihypertrophic and antifibrotic properties. We postulate that regular inclusion of ACE oil in the diet can alleviate the vascular remodelling and endothelial dysfunction processes typically found in AH, thus resulting in a significant reduction of BP.

Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Patients with Wernicke Encephalopathy: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: data regarding the association between Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are scarce in spite of alcohol consumption being the main risk factor for WE. AIMS: to describe the frequency of ALD in a cohort of patients diagnosed with WE and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and to compare the characteristics of WE patients with and without ALD. METHODS: we conducted an observational study in 21 centers through a nationwide registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. WE Caine criteria were applied and demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were analyzed. RESULTS: 434 patients were included in the study, of which 372 were men (85.7%), and the mean age was 55 ± 11.8 years. ALD was present in 162 (37.3%) patients and we found a higher percentage of cases with tremor, flapping and hallucinations in the ALD group. A total of 22 patients (5.0%) died during admission (7.4% with ALD vs 3.7% without ALD; P = 0.087). Among the ALD patients, a relationship between mortality and the presence of anemia (Odds ratio [OR]=4.6 Confidence interval [CI]95% 1.1-18.8; P = 0.034), low level of consciousness (OR=4.9 CI95% 1.1-21.2; P = 0.031) and previous diagnosis of cancer (OR=10.3 CI95% 1.8-59.5; P = 0.009) was detected. Complete recovery was achieved by 27 patients with ALD (17.8%) and 71 (27.8%) without ALD (P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: the association of WE and ALD in patients with AUDs is frequent and potentially linked to differences in clinical presentation and to poorer prognosis, as compared to alcoholic patients with WE without ALD.

Rifabutin for treating tuberculosis in solid organ transplant recipients: A retrospective observational study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is challenging owing to interactions between rifampin and immunosuppressive drugs. Rifabutin, a rifamycin with excellent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and that induces cytochrome p450 less, may facilitate treatment. We report our experience with rifabutin for treating TB in SOT recipients and review the available literature. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all SOT recipients with TB between January 2000 and December 2019. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients treated with and without rifabutin-containing regimens were compared and a literature review was conducted. RESULTS: We included 31 SOT recipients with TB, among whom 22 (71%) were men and the median age was 62 years (interquartile range 50-20). There were no significant differences between patients treated with rifabutin (n = 12), rifampin (n = 14), and non-rifamycins (n = 5) in clinical cure rates (83.3%, 64.3%, and 100%, respectively; P = .21), side effects (25%, 37.5%, and 20%, respectively; P = .74), or mortality (16.7%, 35.7%, and 0%, respectively; P = .21). Only one patient, treated with rifampin, suffered graft rejection. The literature review identified 59 SOT recipients with TB treated with rifabutin-containing regimens from 8 publications. Overall, the clinical cure, graft rejection, and mortality rates were 93.2%, 5.1%, and 6.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rifabutin-containing regimens offer a reliable alternative to rifampin when treating TB in SOT recipients.

Retinoprotective Effect of Wild Olive (Acebuche) Oil-Enriched Diet against Ocular Oxidative Stress Induced by Arterial Hypertension.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases, including hypertensive eye diseases. The beneficial effects of olive oil on cardiovascular diseases might rely on minor constituents. Currently, very little is known about the chemical composition and/or therapeutic effects of the cultivated olive tree's counterpart, wild olive (also known in Spain as acebuche-ACE). Here, we aimed to analyze the antioxidant and retinoprotective effects of ACE oil on the eye of hypertensive mice made hypertensive via administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME), which were subjected to a dietary supplementation with either ACE oil or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for comparison purposes. Deep analyses of major and minor compounds present in both oils was accompanied by blood pressure monitoring, morphometric analyses, as well as different determinations of oxidative stress-related parameters in retinal layers. Aside from its antihypertensive effect, an ACE oil-enriched diet reduced NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase activity/gene/protein expression (with a major implication of NADPH oxidase (NOX)2 isoform) in the retinas of hypertensive mice. Supplementation with ACE oil in hypertensive animals also improved alterations in nitric oxide bioavailability and in antioxidant enzyme profile. Interestingly, our findings show that the use of ACE oil resulted in better outcomes, compared with reference EVOO, against hypertension-related oxidative retinal damage.

Glyceridic and Unsaponifiable Components of Microencapsulated Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana L. and Plukenetia volubilis L.) Edible Oils.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana L. and Plukenetia volubilis L.) edible oils were microencapsulated and the lipid fraction of the microparticles was characterized. Hi-cap®, Capsule®, Arabic gum, and the binary combination of Arabic gum + maltodextrin and the ternary combination of Arabic gum + maltodextrin + whey protein isolate, were used as coating materials for the encapsulation process using spray-drying. The surface and the total oils obtained from the microparticles were evaluated in terms of fatty acid composition, minor glyceride polar compounds, polymers, oxidized triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids, along with their unsaponifiable components, sterols, and tocopherols. Differences between the original oils and the microencapsulated ones were determined. The most remarkable results included the presence of polymers when there were none in the original oils, the slight loss in ω3-fatty acids, up to 6%, the loss in tocopherols, in some of the cases around 30%, the maintaining of the phytosterol in their initial levels and the presence of cholesterol in the oils encapsulated with whey protein isolate.

Differences Between Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Patients With Wernicke Encephalopathy: A Multicenter Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in characteristics and prognosis between alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients with Wernicke encephalopathy (WE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort of 468 patients diagnosed with WE with at least 2 Caine criteria was selected from all patients discharged with a diagnosis of WE from 21 medical centers in Spain from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2012. Demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were described. RESULTS: Among the 468 patients, the most common risk factor was alcoholism (n=434 [92.7%]). More than one-third of patients (n=181 [38.7%]) had the classic WE triad of symptoms (ocular signs, cerebellar dysfunction, and confusion). Among 252 patients for whom magnetic resonance imaging data were available, 135 (53.6%) had WE-related lesions and 42 (16.7%) had cerebellar lesions. Of the 468 patients, 25 (5.3%) died during hospitalization. Alcoholic patients presented more frequently than nonalcoholic patients with cerebellar signs (P=.01) but less frequently with ocular signs (P=.02). Alcoholic patients had a significantly higher frequency of hyponatremia (P=.04) and decreased platelet count (P=.005) compared with nonalcoholics. Alcoholic patients were diagnosed earlier than nonalcoholics (median time to diagnosis, 1 vs 4 days; P=.001) and had shorter hospitalizations (13 vs 23 days; P=.002). CONCLUSION: Compared with nonalcoholic patients, alcoholic patients with WE are more likely to present with cerebellar signs and less likely to have ocular signs. Diagnosis may be delayed in nonalcoholic patients. Mortality in the present series was lower than described previously.

Effect of oil and shortening in rice bread quality: Relationship between dough rheology and quality characteristics.

One of the main problems with gluten-free breads is their texture and their rapid staling. Fats are widely used for the improvement of texture and other quality parameters in gluten-free breads. The effect of oil and shortening in rice-breads quality and its correlation with dough rheology has been analyzed. The inclusion of oil increased the specific volume of the breads and reduced their hardness, particularly with lower levels of hydration, whereas shortening did not modify specific volume or reduced it when hydration levels were higher. Oil, at levels of up to 30%, reduced the cohesiveness, springiness and resilience of breads, as well as the brightness of the crust, and increased the a* and b* values. Breads with oil also exhibited a greater number of pores per cm2 , especially in doughs with higher levels of hydration. An inverse correlation between G' and G'' and bread specific volume has been observed, being the reciprocal-Y model a better predictor than the linear model to relate the bread specific volume. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study showed that the type and quantity of fat added in rice based breads affect the bread quality in a different way. In general, it can be said that the incorporation of up to 20% oil improved rice based breads. Oil increased the specific volume, the a* and b* parameters of the crust and the cell density. It also decreases hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, resilience, and the L* parameter. Converse to breads made with oil, the addition of shortening can negatively affect the quality of the breads. Moreover, the correlation analysis has demonstrated that the study of dough rheology could be a good predictor of gluten-free bread quality.

Increasing isolation of rapidly growing mycobacteria in a low-incidence setting of environmental mycobacteria, 1994-2015.

To determine trends in incidence and clinical relevance of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) in a low-prevalence region of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. We retrospectively identified all patients with RGM-positive cultures between January 1994 and December 2015. Trends in incidence, clinical significance, and outcomes were assessed. One hundred and forty patients had RGM-positive cultures (116 respiratory and 24 extra-respiratory sources). The incidence of RGM isolates increased steadily from 2003 (0.34 per 100,000) to 2015 (1.73 per 100,000), with an average annual increase of 8.3%. Thirty-two patients (22.9%) had clinical disease, which trended to cluster in the second half of the study period. A positive acid-fast bacilli smear (odds ratio [OR] 97.7, 95 % CI 13.8-689.4), the presence of extra-respiratory isolates (OR 19.4, 95 % CI 5.2-72.7), and female gender (OR 5.9, 95 % CI 1.9-19.1) were independently associated with clinical disease. Cure rates were 73.3 and 87.5% for pulmonary and extra-pulmonary disease respectively. Although the burden of disease remains low, the presence of RGM isolates is increasing in our geographical setting. Whether this rise will be sustained over time and will coincide with an increase in clinical disease, or whether it is merely a cycle in the poorly understood epidemiological behaviour of environmental mycobacteria, will be seen in the near future.

Los errores de tratamiento en una unidad neonatal, uno de los principales acontecimientos adversos / Medication errors in a neonatal unit: One of the main adverse events

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las unidades neonatales son uno de los ámbitos hospitalarios más expuestos a la comisión de errores de tratamiento. El error de medicación (EM) se define como el incidente, evitable, secundario a la utilización inapropiada de medicamentos, que causa o puede causar daño al paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer la incidencia de EM (incluida la alimentación) notificados en nuestra unidad neonatal así como sus características y posibles factores causales. Así mismo se expone una relación de las estrategias llevadas a cabo para su prevención. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizan los EM declarados en un servicio de neonatología. RESULTADOS: Durante un período de 7 años, en el servicio de neonatología se han notificado 511 EM. La incidencia en la unidad de críticos fue de 32,2 por 1.000 días de hospitalización o 0,2 por paciente, de los cuales 0,22 por 1.000 días tuvieron repercusión grave; el 39,5% fueron errores de prescripción, el 68,1% de administración y el 0,6% reacciones adversas a medicamentos. El 65,4% fue producido por fármacos. Se interceptó el 17%. El 89,4% no tuvo repercusión sobre el paciente; el 0,6% causó secuelas permanentes o muerte. Los profesionales de enfermería declararon el 65,4% de los EM. El factor causal más frecuentemente implicado fue la distracción (59%). Se realizaron medidas correctoras simples (alertas), intermedias (protocolos, sesiones clínicas, cursos) y complejas (análisis causales, monografía). CONCLUSIONES: Es imprescindible conocer la propia realidad para poder establecer medidas preventivas y, junto al trabajo en equipo y las buenas prácticas, promover un clima de seguridad

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal units are one of the hospital areas most exposed to the committing of treatment errors. A medication error (ME) is defined as the avoidable incident secondary to drug misuse that causes or may cause harm to the patient. The aim of this paper is to present the incidence of ME (including feeding) reported in our neonatal unit and its characteristics and possible causal factors. A list of the strategies implemented for prevention is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was performed on the ME declared in a neonatal unit. RESULTS: A total of 511 MEs have been reported over a period of seven years in the neonatal unit. The incidence in the critical care unit was 32.2 per 1000 hospital days or 20 per 100 patients, of which 0.22 per 1000 days had serious repercussions. The ME reported were, 39.5% prescribing errors, 68.1% administration errors, 0.6% were adverse drug reactions. Around two-thirds (65.4%) were produced by drugs, with 17% being intercepted. The large majority (89.4%) had no impact on the patient, but 0.6% caused permanent damage or death. Nurses reported 65.4% of MEs. The most commonly implicated causal factor was distraction (59%). Simple corrective action (alerts), and intermediate (protocols, clinical sessions and courses) and complex actions (causal analysis, monograph) were performed. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to determine the current state of ME, in order to establish preventive measures and, together with teamwork and good practices, promote a climate of safety

[Medication errors in a neonatal unit: One of the main adverse events]. / Los errores de tratamiento en una unidad neonatal, uno de los principales acontecimientos adversos.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal units are one of the hospital areas most exposed to the committing of treatment errors. A medication error (ME) is defined as the avoidable incident secondary to drug misuse that causes or may cause harm to the patient. The aim of this paper is to present the incidence of ME (including feeding) reported in our neonatal unit and its characteristics and possible causal factors. A list of the strategies implemented for prevention is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was performed on the ME declared in a neonatal unit. RESULTS: A total of 511 MEs have been reported over a period of seven years in the neonatal unit. The incidence in the critical care unit was 32.2 per 1000 hospital days or 20 per 100 patients, of which 0.22 per 1000 days had serious repercussions. The ME reported were, 39.5% prescribing errors, 68.1% administration errors, 0.6% were adverse drug reactions. Around two-thirds (65.4%) were produced by drugs, with 17% being intercepted. The large majority (89.4%) had no impact on the patient, but 0.6% caused permanent damage or death. Nurses reported 65.4% of MEs. The most commonly implicated causal factor was distraction (59%). Simple corrective action (alerts), and intermediate (protocols, clinical sessions and courses) and complex actions (causal analysis, monograph) were performed. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to determine the current state of ME, in order to establish preventive measures and, together with teamwork and good practices, promote a climate of safety.

Mixture design of rice flour, maize starch and wheat starch for optimization of gluten free bread quality.

Gluten-free bread production requires gluten-free flours or starches. Rice flour and maize starch are two of the most commonly used raw materials. Over recent years, gluten-free wheat starch is available on the market. The aim of this research was to optimize mixtures of rice flour, maize starch and wheat starch using an experimental mixture design. For this purpose, dough rheology and its fermentation behaviour were studied. Quality bread parameters such as specific volume, texture, cell structure, colour and acceptability were also analysed. Generally, starch incorporation reduced G* and increased the bread specific volume and cell density, but the breads obtained were paler than the rice flour breads. Comparing the starches, wheat starch breads had better overall acceptability and had a greater volume than maize-starch bread. The highest value for sensorial acceptability corresponded to the bread produced with a mixture of rice flour (59 g/100 g) and wheat starch (41 g/100 g).

Antioxidant activity of alkyl hydroxytyrosyl ethers in unsaturated lipids.

The antioxidant activity of ethyl and octyl hydroxytyrosyl ethers toward lipids was determined using the Rancimat and open cup methods at high temperatures and 50 °C, respectively. The effect of the unsaturation of the matrix was evaluated using sunflower, soya, and fish refined oils. The antioxidant activities of alkyl hydroxytyrosyl ethers (HTy ethers), hydroxytyrosyl esters, and free hydroxytyrosol are similar, and are much higher than that of α-tocopherol at the same millimolar concentration. The relationship between the induction period and the concentration of the HTy ethers is a sigmoidal curve; an accurate concentration of HTy ethers is necessary to achieve maximum activity, as it increases with the level of matrix unsaturation. The presence of tocopherols in commercial oils affects the antioxidant effect of HTy ethers. Thus, the addition of a low concentration of HTy ethers results in a positive effect, whereas the effect of the addition of high amounts of ethers is slightly less than that of the phenol alone. The addition of HTy ethers to commercial refined oils increases the stability of the oils and preserves tocopherols and polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation, enabling the oils to maintain their nutritional properties for longer periods of time.

Characterization of glyceridic and unsaponifiable compounds of Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana L.) oils.

This work deals with the characterization of the main glyceridic and unsaponifiable components of oils obtained from Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana L.) seed ecotypes collected during two harvests in the Department of Amazonas in Peru. The seed-oil yield was 30.3-41.2%; standing out are the high percentages of the ω3- and ω6-fatty acids series whose ranges lie within those of the present Regulation for Sacha inchi oils. Triacylglycerols with even equivalent carbon number (ECN; 36-42) were the main components. Minor glyceridic polar compounds such as oxidized triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids were determined by high-performance size exclusion chromatography. The low campesterol/stigmasterol ratio (1:6), unusual in the majority of vegetable oils, stands out. Regarding aliphatic hydrocarbons, these oils showed a particular profile for the saturated series of odd and even carbon atom numbers. According to our results Sacha inchi P. huayllabambana oils can be offered as a good alternative to P. volubilis, the species mainly commercialized for this vegetable oil.