[Citizen perspectives on doctor-prescribed mobile health apps and information and communication technology usage within the Andalusian Healthcare System]. / Visión ciudadana sobre la prescripción de aplicaciones móviles de salud y el uso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en el entorno sanitario en Andalucía.

BACKGROUND: As eHealth and mHealth are expanding the concerns about the guarantees that must surround these technologies are increasing. OBJECTIVE: To get to know the opinion of the public on the use and willingness towards communication with health professionals based on new technologies and the use of health apps recommended by those professionals, while identifying the sociodemographic or health differences within the population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted within the Andalusian Barometer about Mobile Health Apps based on telephone surveys (2016) focused on Andalusian citizens over 18 years old. A combined multi-stage random sample was used, proportionally distributed by province, type of home, gender, and age group. Sample size n=1069 individuals. Frequency distribution analysis, contingency tables and chi-squared test were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Only 0.7% of citizens, especially those with higher education, have communicated with health professionals using information and communication technologies (ICT). Just over half (55%) of the population who has never communicated in that way would like to do so. Only 1.3% of citizens have ever received any recommendation on health apps given by any health professional, whereas 73.8% would be willing to use a health app recommended by professionals. The population groups that show greater willingness in both issues are those citizens under 44 years old, students or citizens with secondary or higher education, active working population, citizens with good or very good health condition, and those without any chronic disease diagnosed. No significant differences were found as regards the variables of gender, type of home, or living with people with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a high willingness by citizens to use ICT in professional-patient relationships, and to receive recommendations on health apps, they are still not very common. The results obtained are consistent with previous studies, especially regarding the influence of sociodemographic factors in the use and willingness to use of ICTs and recommended apps.

Third-line rescue therapy with bismuth-containing quadruple regimen after failure of two treatments (with clarithromycin and levofloxacin) for H. pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, and amoxicillin fails in >20 % of cases. A rescue therapy with PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin still fails in >20 % of patients. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a bismuth-containing quadruple regimen in patients with two consecutive eradication failures. METHODS: Prospective multicenter study of patients in whom 1st treatment with PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin and 2nd with PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin had failed. A 3rd eradication regimen with a 7- to 14-day PPI (standard dose b.i.d.), bismuth subcitrate (120 mg q.i.d. or 240 mg b.i.d.), tetracycline (from 250 mg t.i.d. to 500 mg q.i.d.) and metronidazole (from 250 mg t.i.d. to 500 mg q.i.d.). Eradication was confirmed by (13)C-urea-breath-test 4-8 weeks after therapy. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Adverse effects were evaluated by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Two hundred patients (mean age 50 years, 55 % females, 20 % peptic ulcer/80 % uninvestigated-functional dyspepsia) were initially included, and two were lost to follow-up. In all, 97 % of patients complied with the protocol. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 67 % (95 % CI 60-74 %) and 65 % (58-72 %). Adverse effects were reported in 22 % of patients, the most common being nausea (12 %), abdominal pain (11 %), metallic taste (8.5 %), and diarrhea (8 %), none of them severe. CONCLUSION: A bismuth-containing quadruple regimen is an acceptable third-line strategy and a safe alternative after two previous H. pylori eradication failures with standard clarithromycin- and levofloxacin-containing triple therapies.

Empleo del modelo animal en la formación enendoscopia diagnóstica y terapéutica de la vía biliar / Animal model training in diagnostic and therapeutic biliary tract endoscopy teaching

Objetivo. Mostrar nuestra experiencia en la formación en endoscopia terapéutica de la vía biliar en modelo animal. Materiales y métodos. Esta actividad formativa tiene una duración de 13 horas y comienza iniciando al alumno en las diferencias anatómicas de las especies que se emplean, la porcina y la canina, con respecto a la anatomía humana. Las prácticas consisten en habituar al endoscopista a la visión lateral del duodenoscopio; se realizan en un modelo porcino debido a que es más sencillo atravesar el esfínter pilórico, aunque no suele ser muy adecuado para la canulación de la papila duodenal. Tras superar la primera fase se utiliza el modelo canino, que permite adquirir las habilidades y destrezas propias de esta técnica. La evaluación de los resultados se realiza mediante una encuesta anónima. Resultados. El 76% de los alumnos confirma que ha avanzado mucho con este entrenamiento, un 18% regular y un 6% poco. El 75% considera que, tras realizar esta actividad de formación, se encontraría capacitado para llevar a cabo la técnica en su hospital. El 94% de los alumnos recomendaría esta actividad a sus compañeros. Conclusiones. El empleo del modelo animal en la formación en colangio pancreatografía retrógada endoscópica (CPRE)permite la adquisición de habilidades básicas necesarias para la práctica, ya que posibilita la repetición de las maniobras y la tutela continuada. Consideramos que con esta metodología mixta se podría acortar la curva de aprendizaje de la CPRE y disminuiría la iatrogenia en las primeras fases (AU)

Aim. To show our experience in training in therapeutic endoscopy of the biliary tract in animal model. Materials and methods. This training activity has duration of 13 hours and starts initiating the trainee in anatomical differences with regard to human anatomy that occur between species that are used, the swine and canine. The practices consist of endoscopist to habituate the lateral view of duodenoscope, performing on pig model because it is easier to pass through the pyloricsphincter, although this is not very suitable for cannulation of the duodenal papilla. After passing the first stage, we used the canine model to acquire the skills and abilities specific to this technique. The performance evaluation is done through an anonymous survey. Results. 76% of students confirmed that they have made good progress with this training, 18% regular and 6% that shortly. 75% believed that after making this training would be found competent to carry out the technique in their hospitals. About 94% of students would recommend this activity. Conclusions. The use of animal model in training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)permits the acquisition of basic skills needed for practice, a sit enables the repetition of the maneuvers and continuing care. We believe that this mixed methodology could shorten the learning curve for ERCP and reduce iatrogenic in the early stages (AU)

Clinical trial: clarithromycin vs. levofloxacin in first-line triple and sequential regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication rates with standard triple therapy have declined to unacceptable levels. AIM: To compare clarithromycin and levofloxacin in triple and sequential first-line regimens. METHODS: A total of 460 patients were randomized into four 10-day therapeutic schemes (115 patients per group): (i) standard OCA, omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin; (ii) triple OLA, omeprazole, levofloxacin and amoxicillin; (iii) sequential OACM, omeprazole plus amoxicillin for 5 days, followed by omeprazole plus clarithromycin plus metronidazole for 5 days; and (iv) modified sequential OALM, using levofloxacin instead of clarithromycin. Eradication was confirmed by 13C-urea breath test. Adverse effects and compliance were assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Per protocol cure rates were: OCA (66%; 95% CI: 57-74%), OLA (82.6%; 75-89%), OACM (80.8%; 73-88%) and OALM (85.2%; 78-91%). Intention-to-treat cure rates were: OCA (64%; 55-73%), OLA (80.8%; 73-88%), OACM (76.5%; 69-85%) and OALM (82.5%; 75-89%). Eradication rates were lower with OCA than with all the other regimens (P < 0.05). No differences in compliance or adverse effects were demonstrated among treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Levofloxacin-based and sequential therapy are superior to standard triple scheme as first-line regimens in a setting with high clarithromycin resistance. However, all of these therapies still have a 20% failure rate.

[Update on medical therapy for obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage]. / Avances en el tratamiento farmacológico de la hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro.

The development of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy has increased diagnostic and therapeutic rates in obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage, where angiodysplasia of the small bowel is the most frequent cause. Nevertheless, almost 25-40% of patients who are not candidates or do not respond to endoscopic, angiographic, or surgical management may be at high risk of rebleeding, and therefore lack a clearly effective medical therapy. The utility of hormonal therapy remains unclear and is burdened by adverse effects. Subcutaneous octreotide usually controls bleeding but does not seem adequate for maintenance therapy. Non-selective beta-blockers alone or in combination with other treatments, as in the prophylaxis of portal hypertension variceal bleeding, may be helpful. Recently, octreotide LAR, a depot formulation administered once a month intramuscularly, and oral thalidomide, a powerful inhibitor of angiogenesis, have demonstrated their effectiveness and safety for long-term therapy in anecdotal case reports and deserve further investigation.

Avances en el tratamiento farmacológico de la hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro / Update on medical therapy for obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage

El desarrollo de la cápsula endoscópica y la enteroscopia dedoble balón ha aumentado las tasas de diagnóstico y tratamientoen la hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro, en la que las angiodisplasiasdel intestino delgado son la causa más frecuente. Sinembargo, el 25-40% de los pacientes, no subsidiarios o no respondedoresa la terapéutica endoscópica, angiográfica o quirúrgica,pueden tener alto riesgo de resangrado y carecen de tratamientomédico claramente eficaz. La utilidad de la terapiahormonal está cuestionada actualmente, sin olvidar los frecuentesy limitantes efectos secundarios. El octreótido suele ser eficaz enel control de la hemorragia pero no parece la terapia de mantenimientomás óptima. Los beta-bloqueantes no selectivos, de igualmanera que en la profilaxis de la hemorragia por hipertensiónportal, pueden ser útiles en combinación con otros fármacos. Recientemente,el octreotido LAR, una formulación de liberación retardadaque se administra una vez al mes por vía intramuscular, yla talidomida oral, un potente inhibidor de la angiogénesis, handemostrado su eficacia y seguridad a largo plazo en casos gravesaislado

The development of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy has increased diagnostic and therapeutic rates in obscuregastrointestinal hemorrhage, where angiodysplasia of thesmall bowel is the most frequent cause. Nevertheless, almost 25-40% of patients who are not candidates or do not respond to endoscopic,angiographic, or surgical management may be at highrisk of rebleeding, and therefore lack a clearly effective medicaltherapy. The utility of hormonal therapy remains unclear and isburdened by adverse effects. Subcutaneous octreotide usually controlsbleeding but does not seem adequate for mainteinance therapy.Non-selective beta-blockers alone or in combination with othertreatments, as in the prophylaxis of portal hypertensionvariceal bleeding, may be helpful. Recently, octreotide LAR, a depotformulation administered once a month intramuscularly, andoral thalidomide, a powerful inhibitor of angiogenesis, havedemonstrated their effectiveness and safety for long-term therapyin anecdotal case reports and deserve further investigation

First-line triple therapy with levofloxacin for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: At present, the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor-clarithromycin-amoxicillin regimen is relatively low. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a first-line triple clarithromycin-free regimen including ranitidine bismuth citrate, levofloxacin and amoxicillin. DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS: Helicobacter pylori-positive patients complaining of dyspeptic symptoms referred for gastroscopy. INTERVENTION: Levofloxacin (500 mg b.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.d.) and ranitidine bismuth citrate (400 mg b.d.) was prescribed for 10 days. OUTCOME: Eradication was confirmed by a (13)C-urea breath test 8 weeks after therapy. Compliance with therapy was determined by questioning and the recovery of empty envelopes of medications. Incidence of adverse effects was evaluated by means of a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included (30% peptic ulcer, 70% functional dyspepsia). Almost all (97%) patients took all the medications correctly. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 88.5% (95% CI =78-95%) and 84.4 (74-91%). Adverse effects were reported in 9.5% of the patients, mainly including diarrhoea (7.9%); none of them were severe. CONCLUSION: This new 10-day levofloxacin-based combination represents an alternative to clarithromycin-based therapy, as it meets the criteria set for regimens used as primary H. pylori treatment: effectiveness (>80%), simplicity (twice-daily dosing and excellent compliance) and safety (low incidence of adverse effects).

[Subhepatic abscess as a late complication of missed intraperitoneal gallstone after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Absceso subhepático como complicación tardía de un cálculo intraperitoneal abandonado tras una colecistectomía laparoscópica.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice in symptomatic cholelithiasis. Despite its many advantages over the conventional laparotomic approach, accidental perforation of the gallbladder with spilled stones and bile leakage is frequent during this procedure. Complications from missed gallstones are uncommon, although they can sometimes lead to severe consequences. Great effort must be made to achieve laparoscopic retrieval of all the gallstones missed into the peritoneal cavity and conversion to an open procedure should be used only in selected cases. We report a case of subhepatic abscess as a late complication of a missed gallstone during a previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy.