Seguimiento de las recomendaciones del Informe de Posicionamiento Terapéutico sobre el tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales en pacientes ancianos con fibrilación auricular. Estudio ESPARTA / Adherence to recommendations of the Therapeutic Positioning Report about treatment with oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. The ESPARTA study

Fundamento y objetivo: Evaluar en la práctica clínica el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones del Informe de Posicionamiento Terapéutico (IPT) de la Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios sobre el tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales en pacientes≥75 años con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) atendidos en unidades de Medicina Interna en España. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal y multicéntrico, en el que se incluyeron 837 pacientes≥75 años con FANV en tratamiento estable con anticoagulantes orales durante los 3 meses previos a la inclusión y que hubiesen iniciado dicho tratamiento antes de comenzar el período de inclusión. Resultados: La edad media fue de 83,0±5,0 años, el CHADS2 medio 3,2±1,2, el CHA2DS2-VASc 5,0±1,4 y el HAS-BLED 2,1±0,9. El 70,8% de los pacientes estaba en tratamiento con antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) y el resto con anticoagulantes orales de acción directa (ACOD). El 65,6% de los pacientes con AVK no siguieron las recomendaciones del IPT frente al 43,0% de los pacientes con ACOD (p<0,0001). En el caso de los pacientes con AVK, el motivo principal para ser considerado como no adecuado fue presentar un mal control de la anticoagulación y no cambiar a un ACOD, mientras que en el caso de los ACOD fue recibir una dosis inadecuada según el IPT. Conclusiones: En un porcentaje elevado de pacientes ancianos con FANV anticoagulados en España no se siguen las recomendaciones realizadas por el IPT, especialmente con los AVK, al no realizarse el cambio a ACOD a pesar de un tiempo en rango terapéutico inadecuado

Background and objective: To evaluate the adherence to the recommendations in clinical practice performed by the Therapeutic Positioning Report (TPR) of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Sanitary Products about the treatment with oral anticoagulants in patients aged≥75 years old with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated in Internal Medicine departments in Spain. Patients and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and multicenter study in which 837 patients aged≥75 years old with NVAF, with stable treatment with oral anticoagulants at least 3 months before inclusion, and that had started treatment with oral anticoagulants before the inclusion period were included. Results: Mean age was 83.0±5.0 years old, mean CHADS2 score 3.2±1.2, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 5.0±1.4, and mean HAS-BLED score 2.1±0.9. A percentage of 70.8 of patients were treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and the rest of patients with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). A percentage of 65.6 of patients treated with VKA did not follow the recommendations made by the TPR compared with 43.0% of patients treated with DOACs (P<.0001). In the case of VKA, the main reason for being considered as not appropriate according to the TPR was having poor control of anticoagulation and not switching to DOACs, whereas in the case of DOACs, it was not receiving the adequate dose according to the TPR. Conclusions: In a high proportion of anticoagulated elderly patients with NVAF in Spain, the recommendations performed by the TPR are not followed, particularly with VKA, since patients are not switched to DOACs despite time in therapeutic range

Higher Levels of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Are Related to Improved Glucose Homeostasis in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is associated with other comorbidities such as impaired glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent and may be a common link between these disorders. However, the relationship between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and insulin resistance in women with PMO has not been well evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between circulating levels of 25(OH)D and parameters of glucose homeostasis in a cohort of women with PMO to establish a serum concentration threshold of 25(OH)D for improved glycemic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 40 women with PMO. We measured 25(OH)D serum levels and glucose homeostasis parameters (glucose and insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and ß-secretion index HOMA2-%S and HOMA2-%B, respectively). Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical parameters and bone markers were also evaluated. RESULTS: Circulating levels of 25(OH)D were related to glucose parameters (negatively with HOMA2-%B and insulin levels and positively with HOMA2-%S) in women with PMO, resulting in an indicator of insulin sensitivity independent of age, body mass index, percent body fat, and undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Patients with serum 25(OH)D ≥45 ng/mL showed lower HOMA2-%B values and insulinemia and greater HOMA2-%S. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that circulating 25(OH)D levels are related to improved glucose homeostasis in women with PMO. However, this relationship was apparent only in the presence of high circulating levels of 25(OH)D.

Satisfaction with oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Although, by itself, atrial fibrillation is associated with an impairment of quality of life antithrombotic therapy may play a role. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction with anticoagulant treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who attended internal medicine departments in Spain. METHODS: Patients from two different cross-sectional studies were combined. To measure the satisfaction with anticoagulant treatment, the Anti-Clot-Treatment Scale (ACTS) questionnaire was completed by every patient. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with satisfaction of patients receiving oral anticoagulants. RESULTS: A total of 1,309 patients (mean age 78.5±8.4 years; 49.3% men; CHA2DS2VASC 4.9±1.5; HAS-BLED 2.0±0.9) were included in the study, of whom 902 (68.9%) were taking vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and 407 (31.1%) direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Overall, satisfaction with oral anticoagulation was high (ACTS Burdens scale 49.69±9.45; ACTS Benefits scale 11.35±2.61). The perceived burdens with anticoagulant treatment were lower in men, as well as in patients with no dependency, normal renal function, who were not polymedicated, or who had moderate bleeding risk. Among patients taking VKA, those subjects with a lower number of International Normalized Ratio (INR) determinations in the last 6 months or with an optimal time in the therapeutic range exhibited a lower perceived burden. Patients taking DOACs (vs VKA) showed a lower perceived burden with anticoagulation. Benefits with anti-coagulation were higher in men, younger patients, those with no dependency, or low bleeding risk. Perceived benefits were higher in patients taking DOACs (vs VKA). CONCLUSION: Satisfaction with oral anticoagulation was high in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, who were attending internal medicine departments daily in Spain. Among patients taking VKA, those subjects with a lower number of INR determinations in the last 6 months or with an optimal time in the therapeutic range exhibited a lower perceived burden with anticoagulant therapy. Patients taking DOACs (vs VKA) showed lower perceived burdens and higher perceived benefits with anticoagulation.

Adherence to recommendations of the Therapeutic Positioning Report about treatment with oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. The ESPARTA study. / Seguimiento de las recomendaciones del Informe de Posicionamiento Terapéutico sobre el tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales en pacientes ancianos con fibrilación auricular. Estudio ESPARTA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adherence to the recommendations in clinical practice performed by the Therapeutic Positioning Report (TPR) of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Sanitary Products about the treatment with oral anticoagulants in patients aged≥75 years old with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated in Internal Medicine departments in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and multicenter study in which 837 patients aged≥75 years old with NVAF, with stable treatment with oral anticoagulants at least 3 months before inclusion, and that had started treatment with oral anticoagulants before the inclusion period were included. RESULTS: Mean age was 83.0±5.0 years old, mean CHADS2 score 3.2±1.2, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 5.0±1.4, and mean HAS-BLED score 2.1±0.9. A percentage of 70.8 of patients were treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and the rest of patients with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). A percentage of 65.6 of patients treated with VKA did not follow the recommendations made by the TPR compared with 43.0% of patients treated with DOACs (P<.0001). In the case of VKA, the main reason for being considered as not appropriate according to the TPR was having poor control of anticoagulation and not switching to DOACs, whereas in the case of DOACs, it was not receiving the adequate dose according to the TPR. CONCLUSIONS: In a high proportion of anticoagulated elderly patients with NVAF in Spain, the recommendations performed by the TPR are not followed, particularly with VKA, since patients are not switched to DOACs despite time in therapeutic range.

Componente hemodinámico en el glaucoma y su asociación con factores de riesgo y enfermedades cardiovasculares / Hemodynamic component in glaucoma and its association with risk factors and cardiovascular disease

Fundamento y objetivo: Se pretende estudiar la asociación del glaucoma con la enfermedad vascular, mediante 2 vías independientes: la asociación del glaucoma con las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y el estudio de las variables de hemodinámica ocular (VHO) en el glaucoma. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 73 sujetos: 25 sin glaucoma, 28 glaucomas primarios de ángulo abierto (GPAA) y 20 glaucomas de tensión normal (GTN). Se midieron las VHO, factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) y ECV. Resultados: Se encontró un mayor porcentaje de FRCV y ECV en pacientes afectados de GPAA (p = 0,002 y p = 0,016) y GTN (p = 0,001 y p = 0,010) respecto al grupo control. En lo que respecta a las VHO, en los pacientes con GPAA encontramos menores velocidades sistólicas y diastólicas, así como mayores índices de resistencia en la arteria central de la retina (p < 0,05). Además, en ambos tipos de glaucoma encontramos índices de resistencia más elevados en la arteria ciliar posterior (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Existe una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de ECV y/o FRCV y la enfermedad glaucomatosa, hallazgo que se complementa con los datos de las VHO. Estos valores indican una peor perfusión ocular en los pacientes con enfermedad glaucomatosa (AU)

Background and objective: We sought to study the association of glaucoma with vascular disease, with 2 independent pathways: the association of glaucoma with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the study of ocular hemodynamic variables (OHV) in glaucoma. Material and method: Cross-sectional study consisting of 73 patients: 25 without glaucoma, 28 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 20 normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). OHV, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and CVD were determined. Results: We found a greater number of CVRF and CVD in patients affected by POAG (P = .002 and P = .016) and NTG (P = .001 and P = .010) compared to the control group. With regard to OHV, in patients suffering from POAG, we found lower systolic and diastolic velocities and higher resistance index in the central retinal artery (P < .05). Moreover, in both types of glaucoma, we found higher resistance index in the posterior ciliary artery (P < .05). Conclusions: There is a statistically significant association between the presence of CVD and/or CVRF and glaucomatous disease, a finding that is supplemented with data from the OHV. These values indicate a worst ocular perfusion in patients with glaucomatous disease (AU)

Application of interferon alpha 2b in conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia: predictors and prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: To test the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of interferon alpha 2b for conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and to evaluate the risk factors associated with its clinical outcome. A secondary goal is to identify predictors of duration of treatment to achieve good results. METHODS: A prospective, noncomparative case series. Twenty-two patients with CIN were treated with interferon alpha 2b (1 million IU/mL) 4 times daily. Patients were evaluated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, corneal histopathology, and impression cytology and the same physician carried out the diagnosis in all cases. Patients were monitored for relapses for 48 months after interferon therapy had ended. The following statistical tests were carried out: descriptive, bivariate correlation, and survival curves. RESULTS: Topical therapy eliminated clinical signs of disease in 91% of the cases (20 of 22). The average time to CIN resolution was 3.5 months (range 1-9), with only 4 patients presenting adverse effects (1 irritative conjunctivitis and 3 punctate keratitis). None of the 4 cases experiencing adverse reactions required discontinuation of therapy. Patients living in areas with high ultraviolet radiation levels had a longer clinical resolution (4.2 months) than those living in areas with low UV levels (1.8 months, P=0.01). There was association with statistical significance between the size of the lesion at the third month and treatment duration (P=0.048). CONCLUSION: Topical interferon alpha 2b is an effective and safe treatment option for CIN. The place of residence can be a risk factor; areas like coast with higher UV levels result in a slower clinical resolution than inland areas. The size of the lesion after the third month of treatment with interferon can be a predictor of time to clinical resolution of CIN.

Prenatal and postnatal factors increase risk of severe ROP.

To determine that slower weight premature twins have more risk to develop severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) than the higher weight twins. We know that the lower weight twins had less optimal intra-uterine environments than their higher weight twins. We screened 94 consecutive premature twins for ROP. We compared the lower weight twins (n = 47) against their higher weight twins (n = 47). The risk of severe ROP (ROP stage 3 or greater) was significantly higher in the lower weight twin group (p < 0.006). In the same way, in the lower weight twin group the non-perfused area of the temporal retinal artery was higher than that of the other group (an average of 1.2 diameters of the optic nerve head), in the 4-6 postnatal weeks (p < 0.004). The lower weight twin group have an increased risk of severe ROP associated with bacteremia (p = 0.045), or a weight gain less than 7 g per day in the 4-6 postnatal weeks (p = 0.013) or a supplementary postnatal oxygen >4 days (p = 0.007) compared to the higher weight twin group. We confirm Dr. Lee's work that less optimal prenatal factors, in preterm twins, increase the risk of severe ROP.

Cardiovascular risk assessment according to a national calibrated score risk index in psoriatic arthritis patients without clinically evident cardiovascular disease or classic atherosclerosis risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess cardiovascular (CV) risk in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients without clinically evident CV disease or classic atherosclerosis risk factors according to the SCORE chart following the EULAR recommendations. METHODS: Eighty PsA patients without previous CV events or atherosclerosis risk factors and eighty matched controls were included. Information on demographic, anthropometric and clinical-serological data of disease was assessed. The national calibrated Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) index was calculated and the association between this SCORE and clinical-serological data of these patients was analyzed. RESULTS: PsA patients had higher acute phase reactants as well as higher SCORE mean values than healthy controls (1.99±3.52 vs. 1.0±1.74; P=0.028). According to SCORE definitions, 71 (89%) patients had low-intermediate CV risk and 9 (11%) were above the threshold of high risk. In the control group, 76 (95%) had low-intermediate risk and four (5%) had high CV risk. However, there were no differences in CV risk stratification between both groups (P=0.148). PsA patients with high-very high CV risk had longer disease duration (P=0.001) and higher levels of triglycerides (P=0.009). PsA patients showed a significant correlation between SCORE values and disease duration (ß=0.185; P=0.0001) and the average annual levels of C reactive protein (CRPa), ß=2.38; P=0.014. CONCLUSION: CV risk assessment in PsA patients without clinically evident CV disease or classic atherosclerosis risk factors may be underestimated by using only the SCORE chart. In these patients, disease duration and the CRPa may help to establish a better stratification of the actual CV risk.

[Hemodynamic component in glaucoma and its association with risk factors and cardiovascular disease]. / Componente hemodinámico en el glaucoma y su asociación con factores de riesgo y enfermedades cardiovasculares.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the association of glaucoma with vascular disease, with 2 independent pathways: the association of glaucoma with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the study of ocular hemodynamic variables (OHV) in glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study consisting of 73 patients: 25 without glaucoma, 28 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 20 normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). OHV, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and CVD were determined. RESULTS: We found a greater number of CVRF and CVD in patients affected by POAG (P=.002 and P=.016) and NTG (P=.001 and P=.010) compared to the control group. With regard to OHV, in patients suffering from POAG, we found lower systolic and diastolic velocities and higher resistance index in the central retinal artery (P<.05). Moreover, in both types of glaucoma, we found higher resistance index in the posterior ciliary artery (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant association between the presence of CVD and/or CVRF and glaucomatous disease, a finding that is supplemented with data from the OHV. These values indicate a worst ocular perfusion in patients with glaucomatous disease.

[Generalized cutaneous candidiasis in newborn at term]. / Candidiasis cutánea generalizada en recién nacido a término.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous candidiasis is a disease that affects children as well as adults. The presentation may be localized or systemic, and with multiple etiological agents. The most prevalent infecting species in children differs from that of the adult. OBJECTIVE: A case is presented where a congenital cutaneous candidiasis was transmitted to the child during birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A full term newborn was exposed to a subclinical vaginal candidiasis infection, and 24 hr after birth, developed congenital cutaneous candidiasis. The etiological agent was Candida albicans, and was associated with sepsis and respiratory distress. Blood cultures, cutaneous biopsy of vesicular lesions, blood tests and lumbar puncture were performed. RESULTS: Biochemistry and blood count showed a CRP of 5.7 mg/dl, leukocytosis with left shift and mild anemia. After 24 hr, the blood analyses showed an increase in a CRP (7.8 mg/dl) and increased progressively for three days; consequently, a lumbar puncture was performed. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Cutaneous biopsy confirmed the cutaneous candidiasis. CONCLUSIONS: The early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications derived by the Candida albicans in newborns.

Candidiasis cutánea generalizada en recién nacido a término / Generalized cutaneous candidiasis in newborn at term

Introducción. La candidiasis cutánea es una enfermedad que afecta tanto a población infantil como adulta. Las forma de presentación puede ser localizada o sistémica y el agente etiológico múltiple, siendo las especies infecciosas de Candida albicans más prevalentes en niños. Objetivo. Presentar un caso de candidiasis cutánea congénita cuya causa aparente fue la transmisión vertical durante el parto. Material y metodología. Se describe el caso de un recién nacido a término expuesto a una candidiasis vaginal subclínica, que desarrolló una candidiasis cutánea congénita por C. albicans asociada a sepsis y dificultad respiratoria en las primeras 24 horas de vida. Se practicaron hemocultivos, biopsia cutánea de las lesiones pápulopústulo-vesiculosas, análisis de sangre y punción lumbar. Resultados. En la bioquímica y el hemograma se encontró una proteína C reactiva de 5,7 mg/dl, leucocitosis con desviación a la izquierda y anemia leve. A las 24 horas, en el control se encontró una proteína C reactiva (7,82 mg/dl) que fue en aumento progresivo durante tres días, por lo que se practicó punción lumbar. El hemocultivo fue positivo para Staphylococcus aureus. La biopsia cutánea dio como resultado histológico la candidiasis cutánea. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico precoz es fundamental para prevenir complicaciones derivadas del cuadro producido por C. albicans en neonatos.

Introduction. Cutaneous candidiasis is a disease that affects children as well as adults. The presentation may be localized or systemic, and with multiple etiological agents. The most prevalent infecting species in children differs from that of the adult. Objective. A case is presented where a congenital cutaneous candidiasis was transmitted to the child during birth. Materials and methods. A full term newborn was exposed to a subclinical vaginal candidiasis infection, and 24 hr after birth, developed congenital cutaneous candidiasis. The etiological agent was Candida albicans, and was associated with sepsis and respiratory distress. Blood cultures, cutaneous biopsy of vesicular lesions, blood tests and lumbar puncture were performed. Results. Biochemistry and blood count showed a CRP of 5.7 mg/dl, leukocytosis with left shift and mild anemia. After 24 hr, the blood analyses showed an increase in a CRP (7.8 mg/dl) and increased progressively for three days; consequently, a lumbar puncture was performed. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Cutaneous biopsy confirmed the cutaneous candidiasis. Conclusions. The early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications derived by the Candida albicans in newborns.

Effect of blockade of tumor necrosis factor-alpha with etanercept on surgical wound healing in SWISS-OF1 mice.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether blockade of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) influences surgical wound healing in a normal mouse experimental model. METHODS: Wound healing time course and degree of surgical wound collagenization were measured by morphological techniques and digital image analysis in 80 male SWISS-OF1 mice (40 received subcutaneous etanercept at a dose of 0.1 mg/25 g/ at -7, 0, 7, and 14 days). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between treated and untreated animals in wound healing, re-epithelialization, or formation of inflammatory infiltrate or granulation tissue at days 7, 15, or 20 after surgery. At 20 days, the collagen area was larger in treated versus untreated mice (109,029 +/- 28,489 microm(2) vs 79,305 +/- 19,798 microm(2), p = 0.026, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Surgical wounds showed a higher degree of collagenization at 20 days in etanercept-treated versus untreated mice, with no differences in the time course of wound healing. These data suggest that biological therapies to block TNF-alpha do not affect wound healing and do not need to be suspended during the perioperative period.

Metahemoglobinemia debida a la administración de anestésico local previa a depilación con láser / No disponible

No disponible

Motivos para la elección del centro de hemodiálisis en Granadasegún la opinión de los usuarios y profesionales / Reasons for the choise of hemodialysis center in Granada (Spain). Opinion of patients and healthcare proffesionals

Objetivos: La elección del centro asistencial por parte del usuario está vinculada a la calidad. Los usuarios de hemodiálisis presentan unas características específicas que matizan su satisfacción de los servicios. En este trabajo se analizan los factores influyentes en la elección del usuario de su centro de hemodiálisis y factores relacionados con la satisfacción del mismo. Material y métodos: Se realizaron 25 entrevistas semiestructuradas a pacientes en hemodiálisis de la provincia de Granada segmentados en dos grupos, según se encontraran o no en su centro asistencial de referencia. Se entrevistó también a doce profesionales sanitarios: cinco médicos y siete enfermeras. Los guiones de la entrevista hacían referencia al motivo de la elección, la satisfacción con la atención recibida y la propuesta de mejora, tanto del centro de hemodiálisis como del entorno sanitario. El análisis consistió en la transcripción de las entrevistas, la identificación y estudio de las variables previamente establecidas buscando redundancia en las respuestas y relación de resultados a partir de la saturación de la información. Resultados: El motivo básico para la elección de una u otra unidad de hemodiálisis está en relación con la presencia de un hospital próximo. Otros motivos son la vinculación al profesional y al entorno, la problemática familiar y otros intereses. Los entrevistados, independientemente de su centro de ubicación, están satisfechos con la asistencia recibida, fundamentalmente con la dimensión trato humano. Conclusiones: Los motivos de elección del centro de hemodiálisis en este estudio son la necesidad de tener un hospital próximo, la vinculación a los profesionales sanitarios y la sensación de seguridad que estos aspectos le aportan al usuario. El trato humano es la característica de la calidad del proceso de atención más valorada por los usuarios de los centros de hemodiálisis consultados (AU)