Temporal trends on the prevalence of renal disease and outcomes among patients with diabetes mellitus hospitalized by heart failure: findings from INCAex.

BACKGROUND: To assess 20-year time trends in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among inpatients with heart failure (HF) and the influence of coexisting DM and kidney disease (KD) on outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients was admitted due to HF, during the period 2000/2019. The period of follow-up was divided into three intervals according to the European Medical Agency approval of newer hypoglycemic drugs. We analyzed in-hospital mortality and outcomes during the follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 4959 patients were included. Over time, prevalence of DM was significantly raising among women with HF (50 to 53.2%) and descending among men (50% to 46.8%, p = 0.02). Total mortality and readmissions were higher in patients with DM during the and second periods. However, no significant differences were found in the third-one (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.94-1.39, p = 0.181). A protector role of oral hypoglycemic medications was observed in this last period. According to the presence of KD, the patients with both DM and KD were who presented most of the events. CONCLUSIONS: Over the time analyzed, the prevalence of DM raised among women and decreased among men. DM influenced the prognosis of HF except in the third period when more protective hypoglycemic drugs started to be used.

Diabetic Sarcopenia. A proposed muscle screening protocol in people with diabetes : Expert document.

OBJECTIVES: To propose the grounds for "diabetic sarcopenia" as a new comorbidity of diabetes, and to establish a muscle screening algorithm proposal to facilitate its diagnosis and staging in clinical practice. METHOD: A qualitative expert opinion study was carried out using the nominal technique. A literature search was performed with the terms "screening" or "diagnostic criteria" and "muscle loss" or "sarcopenia" and "diabetes" that was sent to a multidisciplinary group of 7 experts who, in a face-to-face meeting, discussed various aspects of the screening algorithm. RESULTS: The hallmark of diabetic sarcopenia (DS) is muscle mass atrophy characteristic of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) in contrast to the histological and physiological normality of muscle mass. The target population to be screened was defined as patients with DM with a SARC-F questionnaire > 4, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) ≥ 8.0%, more than 5 years since onset of DM, taking sulfonylureas, glinides and sodium/glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2), as well as presence of chronic complications of diabetes or clinical suspicion of sarcopenia. Diagnosis was based on the presence of criteria of low muscle strength (probable sarcopenia) and low muscle mass (confirmed sarcopenia) using methods available in any clinical consultation room, such as dynamometry, the chair stand test, and Body Mass Index (BMI)-adjusted calf circumference. DS was classified into 4 stages: Stage I corresponds to sarcopenic patients with no other diabetes complication, and Stage II corresponds to patients with some type of involvement. Within Stage II are three sublevels (a, b and c). Stage IIa refers to individuals with sarcopenic diabetes and some diabetes-specific impairment, IIb to sarcopenia with functional impairment, and IIc to sarcopenia with diabetes complications and changes in function measured using standard tests Conclusion: Diabetic sarcopenia has a significant impact on function and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and it is important to give it the same attention as all other traditionally described complications of T2DM. This document aims to establish the foundation for protocolising the screening and diagnosis of diabetic sarcopenia in a manner that is simple and accessible for all levels of healthcare.

The two different profiles in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and type 2 diabetes mellitus: ischemic and diabetic.

OBJECTIVE: Two profiles of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be discerned: those with ischemic and those with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMC). We aim to analyze clinical differences and prognosis between patients of these two profiles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cohort study analyzes data from the Spanish Heart Failure Registry, a multicenter, prospective registry that enrolled patients admitted for decompensated heart failure and followed them for one year. Three groups were created according to the presence of T2DM and heart disease depending on the etiology (ischemic when coronary artery disease was present, or DMC when no coronary, valvular, or congenital heart disease; no hypertension; nor infiltrative cardiovascular disease observed on an endomyocardial biopsy). The groups and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 466 patients were analyzed. Group 1 (n = 210) included patients with ischemic etiology and T2DM. Group 2 (n = 112) included patients with DMC etiology and T2DM. Group 3 (n = 144), a control group, included patients with ischemic etiology and without T2DM. Group 1 had more hypertension and dyslipidemia; group 2 had more atrial fibrillation (AF) and higher body mass index; group 3 had more chronic kidney disease and were older. In the regression analysis, group 3 had a better prognosis than group 1 (reference group) for cardiovascular mortality and HF readmissions (HR 0.44;95%CI 0.2-1; p = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2DM and HFpEF, who had the poorest prognosis, were of two different profiles: either ischemic or DMC etiology. The first had a higher burden of cardiovascular disease and inflammation whereas the second had a higher prevalence of obesity and AF. The first had a slightly poorer prognosis than the second, though this finding was not significant.

Glycemic control and prescription profiles in internal medicine inpatients: The role of frailty.

AIM: This work aims to characterize the clinical profile of individuals with frailty syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hyperglycemia during hospitalization in regard to glycemic control and treatment regimen. METHODS: This cross-sectional multicentric study included patients with DM or hyperglycemia at admission. Demographic data, blood glucose values, treatment administered during hospitalization, and treatment indicated at discharge were analyzed. The sample was divided into three groups according to score on a frailty questionnaire. Generalized additive models were used to describe the relationship between either glycemic variability (GV) or minimum capillary blood glucose and hypoglycemia. Models were adjusted for age, comorbidity, and sarcopenia. RESULTS: A total of 1,137 patients were analyzed. Patients with frailty syndrome had more comorbidity and sarcopenia, worse renal function, and lower albumin and lymphocyte levels. A GV between 21% and 60% was related to a higher probability of hypoglycemia, especially in patients with frailty. Regarding minimum capillary blood glucose, patients with frailty had the highest probability of hypoglycemia. This probability remained significant even in the group with frailty in which, with a reference value of 200 mg/dl, the adjusted odds ratio of a minimum capillary blood glucose of 151 mg/dL was 1.08 (95% confidence interval (1.12-1.05)). Baseline treatments showed a significant predominance of insulin use in the frailest groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with frailty had more sarcopenia and undernourishment. These patients were managed in a similar manner during hospitalization to patients without frailty, despite their higher risk of hypoglycemia according to GV or minimum capillary blood glucose levels.

Weekend and holiday admissions for decompensated heart failure and in-hospital mortality. A cumulative effect of "nonworking" days?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze whether nonelective admissions in patients with heart failure (HF) on nonworking days (NWD) are associated with higher in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective (2018-2019) observational study of episodes of nonelective admissions in patients aged 18 years and older discharged with a principal diagnosis of HF in acute general hospitals of the Spanish National Health System. NWD at admission were defined as Fridays after 14:00hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and national and regional holidays. In-hospital mortality was analyzed with logistic regression models. The length of NWD was considered as an independent continuous variable. Propensity score matching was used as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: We selected 235 281 episodes of nonelective HF admissions. When the NWD periods were included in the in-hospital mortality model, the increases in in-hospital mortality compared with weekday admission were as follows: 1 NWD day (OR, 1.11; 95%CI, 1.07-1.16); 2 days (OR, 1.13; 95%CI, 1.09-1.17); 3 (OR, 1.16; 95%CI, 1.05-1.27); and ≥4 days (OR, 1.20; 95%CI, 1.09-1.32). There was a statistically significant association between a linear increase in NWD and higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality (chi-square trend P=.0002). After propensity score matching, patients with HF admitted on NWD had higher in-hospital mortality than those admitted on weekdays (OR, 1.11; average treatment effect, 12.2% vs 11.1%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between admissions for decompensated HF on an NWD and higher in-hospital mortality. The excess mortality is likely not explained by differences in severity. In this study, the "weekend effect" tended to increase as the NWD period became longer.

Breaking the Stigma in Mental Health Nursing through High-Fidelity Simulation Training.

The social stigma toward individuals with mental health problems is habitual among nursing students, which can lead to poor quality of health care services for patients with mental illnesses. The purpose of the present study was to learn about nursing students' perceptions of providing care to patients with severe mental disorders before and after participating in a simulated student clinical case. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted through 39 interviews. The difficulties expected by the students and their perceptions about patients were explored before the simulation training. Their perceptions about the use of clinical simulation for learning about the adequate management of these patients were analyzed afterwards. Results: Before the simulation training, the students assessed the case as being complicated, expressed their lack of specific training, and felt fear and insecurity, thus reproducing the stigma towards mental health patients. After this training, they positively valued the usefulness of the clinical simulation for gaining confidence and overcoming the stigma. Discussion: The use of high-fidelity simulation offers nursing students the opportunity to approach patients with mental health conditions, overcoming their fears and normalizing mental disorders. Simulation training allows nursing students to analyze the reasoning of clinical judgment and to detect the influence of previous prejudices about mental illness in their clinical decision. This study was not registered.

Sleep analysis of hospital and out-of-hospital emergency professionals.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep deprivation is associated with poorer cognitive functioning and a greater risk of serious diseases. Herein, we analyzed differences in the quality of sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness between hospital emergency services and out-of-hospital emergencies services, and investigated its association with sociodemographic and labor variables. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional observational study carried out between April 2019 and February 2020, including healthcare professionals from different emergency departments, who were evaluated through the following instruments: "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index" and "Epworth Sleepiness Scale". RESULTS: Four-hundred and four healthcare professionals were included (mean age 40.4 ± 11.1 years), predominantly women (61.4%) from hospital emergency departments (62.6%). A total of 65.3% of the workers had poor sleep quality and 27.7% had excessive sleepiness. Women had poorer sleep quality (p = 0.022) and higher sleepiness (p = 0.010) than men. Hospital emergency workers presented 2-fold increased risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.93, p = 0.003) and sleepiness (OR = 1.93, p = 0.009) than out-of-hospital emergency workers. The more optimistic were less likely to have poor sleep quality (OR = 0.73, p = 0.01) or sleepiness (OR = 0.70, p = 0.002). Nurses, emergency medical technicians and nursing assistants also had a higher risk of poor sleep quality compared to physicians (OR = 1.60; p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency healthcare professionals working in hospital emergency departments had a two-times higher risk of poor sleep quality and sleepiness than out-of-hospital emergency healthcare professionals.

The Spanish Scientific Societies before the ESC 2021 guidelines on vascular disease prevention: Generalizing the measurement of albuminuria to identify vascular risk and prevent vascular disease.

The 2021 guidelines on the prevention of vascular disease (VD) in clinical practice published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and supported by 13 other European scientific societies recognize the key role of screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the prevention of VD. Vascular risk in CKD is categorized based on measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR). Thus, moderate CKD is associated with a high vascular risk and severe CKD with a very high vascular risk requiring therapeutic action, and there is no need to apply other vascular risk scores when vascular risk is already very high due to CKD. Moreover, the ESC indicates that vascular risk assessment and the subsequent decision algorithm should start with measurement of eGFR and ACR. To optimize the implementation of the ESC 2021 guidelines on the prevention of CVD in Spain, we consider that: 1) Urine testing for albuminuria using ACR should be part of the clinical routine at the same level as blood glucose, cholesterolemia, and GFR estimation when these are used to make decisions on CVD risk. 2) Spanish public and private health services should have the necessary means and resources to optimally implement the ESC 2021 guidelines for the prevention of CVD in Spain, including ACR testing.

Approach to obesity in the elderly population: a consensus report from the Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Working Group of SEMI (Spanish Society of Internal Medicine).

Obesity in the elderly not only impacts morbidity and mortality but their quality of life. This phenomenon has sparked extensive research and debate regarding treatment recommendations, primarly due to the lack evidence in this specific population. When addressing possible treatment recommendations for older adults with obesity, it is crucial to assess certain essential aspects such as functional status, sarcopenia, cognitive status, and others. Intentional weight loss in this population can be both effective and safe. The best weight loss plan for the elderly revolves around adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes following a Mediterranean diet pattern and engaging in physical exercise, particularly strength training. Additionally, the use of weight loss medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and novel glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptor agonists, can provide an additional stage of treatment. In selective candidates, bariatric surgery may also be considered. The objective of this document is to propose a comprehensive algorithm of recommendations for the management of obesity in the elderly (above the age of 65), based on scientific evidence and the expertise of members from the Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Workgroup of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and sleep in emergency room professionals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze stress levels, sleep quality, sleepiness and chronotypes on emergency room (ER) professionals before and during the COVID-19. BACKGROUND: ER healthcare professionals are exposed to high stress levels, and they often present with poor sleep quality. DESIGN: Observational study conducted into two different phases (before the COVID-19 and during the first wave of the COVID-19). METHOD: Physicians, nurses and nursing assistants working in the ER were included. Stress, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and chronotypes were assessed by the Stress Factors and Manifestations Scale (SFMS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Horne and Österberg Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire, respectively. The first phase of the study was performed between December 2019 and February 2020, and the second between April and June 2020. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study. RESULTS: In total, 189 ER professionals in the pre-COVID-19 phase and 171 (of the initial 189) during COVID-19 were included. The proportion of workers with a morning circadian rhythm increased during the COVID-19, and stress levels were significantly higher during COVID-19 compared to the previous phase (38.34 ± 10.74 vs. 49.97 ± 15.81). ER professionals with poor sleep quality presented higher stress in the pre-COVID-19 phase (40.60 ± 10.71 vs. 32.22 ± 8.19) and during COVID-19 (55.27 ± 15.75 vs. 39.66 ± 9.75). Similarly, workers with excessive sleepiness had higher stress in the pre-COVID-19 phase (42.06 ± 10.95 vs. 36.64 ± 10.24) and during COVID-19 (54.67 ± 18.10 vs. 48.44 ± 14.75). Positive associations were also found between the SFMS and the PSQI, as well as with the ESS in both phases of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency room professionals had increased stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress was particularly higher in those with poor sleep quality or with excessive daytime sleepiness. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These results should aim to impulse the implementation of measures to improve the working conditions of ER professionals.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia worsen short- and long-term outcomes in internal medicine inpatients.

PURPOSE: This work aims to describe patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards in terms of nutrition and sarcopenia. It also seeks to evaluate short- and long-term mortality related to malnutrition and sarcopenia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data on consecutive patients admitted to a single center's internal medicine ward. Patients were recruited in May and October 2021. Malnutrition was determined by the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and sarcopenia by the Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls questionnaire (SARC-F scale) and handgrip strength test. Patients who were hospitalized for >48 hours were excluded. RESULTS: The sample included 619 patients with a mean ± SD age of 76.0 ± 14.8 years of which 50.6% were women. Patients were classified into three groups based on malnutrition: group 1 (MNA-SF 12-14 points) (no risk) included 158 patients, group 2 (MNA-SF 8-12 points) (high risk) included 233 patients, and group 3 (MNA-SF 0-7 points) (malnourished) included 228 patients. Malnourished patients had more dysphagia, significantly lower protein and albumin levels, and significantly higher inflammatory marker levels and pressure ulcers. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 (p < .00001). The worst outcome (mortality and readmissions or mortality) was more common among malnourished patients (p = .0001). Inflammation, comorbidity, and sarcopenia were most closely associated with negative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition upon admission is associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes in internal medicine inpatients. Sarcopenia, multimorbidity, and inflammation-measured by albumin, C-reactive protein, or their ratios-are key risk factors. Early identification of malnutrition and sarcopenia through active screening is important in caring for internal medicine patients.

La masa muscular disminuida en la diabetes de tipo 2. Una comorbilidad oculta que debemos tener en cuenta / Decreased muscle mass in type-2 diabetes. A hidden comorbidity to consider

Objetivos: informe de expertos para valorar la realidad de la pérdida de masa muscular en las personas con diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) y proponer, en base a la evidencia de la bibliografía y la experiencia clínica, cómo debería ser el abordaje clínico de esta comorbilidad. Método: estudio cualitativo de opinión de expertos mediante metodología nominal. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre diabetes y músculos que se remitió a un grupo multidisciplinar de 7 expertos que, en reunión presencial, discutieron sobre diversos aspectos del papel de la masa muscular en la DM2. Resultados: la masa muscular debe tenerse en cuenta dentro del cuadro clínico del paciente con DM2. Repercute enormemente sobre la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida del paciente y es tan importante como el adecuado control metabólico de la DM2. Conclusión: además de la terapia farmacológica y la dieta adaptada, es imprescindible un patrón de actividad física aeróbica y de fuerza para el mantenimiento de la masa y la función muscular en el paciente diabético. En situaciones particulares, una suplementación oral artificial específica para el cuidado del músculo podría mejorar la situación de desnutrición y baja masa muscular. Medidas como el test de la velocidad de marcha, el test de la silla o el cuestionario SARC-F, junto a un índice de Barthel, son un primer paso para diagnosticar un deterioro relevante sobre el que actuar en el paciente DM2. Este documento pretende resolver algunos interrogantes sobre la importancia, la valoración y el control de la masa muscular en la DM2. (AU)

Objectives: an expert report is presented on the situation of loss of muscle mass in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a proposal of what the clinical approach to this comorbidity should be, based on the evidence from the literature and clinical experience. Method: a qualitative expert opinion study was carried out using the nominal approach. A literature search on diabetes and muscle was made and submitted to a multidisciplinary group of 7 experts who through a face-to-face meeting discussed different aspects of the role of muscle mass in T2DM. Results: muscle mass must be taken into account in the clinical context of patients with T2DM. It has an enormous impact on patient function and quality of life, and is as important as adequate metabolic control of T2DM. Conclusion: in addition to drug therapy and diet adjustments, aerobic and strength activities are essential for maintaining muscle mass and function in diabetic patients. In concrete situations, artificial oral supplementation specific for muscle care could improve the situation of malnutrition and low muscle mass. Measures such as the walking speed test, chair test, or the SARC-F questionnaire, together with the Barthel index, constitute a first step to diagnose relevant impairment requiring intervention in patients with T2DM. This document seeks to answer some questions about the importance, assessment, and control of muscle mass in T2DM. (AU)

[Decreased muscle mass in type-2 diabetes. A hidden comorbidity to consider]. / La masa muscular disminuida en la diabetes de tipo 2. Una comorbilidad oculta que debemos tener en cuenta.

Introduction: Objectives: an expert report is presented on the situation of loss of muscle mass in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a proposal of what the clinical approach to this comorbidity should be, based on the evidence from the literature and clinical experience. Method: a qualitative expert opinion study was carried out using the nominal approach. A literature search on diabetes and muscle was made and submitted to a multidisciplinary group of 7 experts who through a face-to-face meeting discussed different aspects of the role of muscle mass in T2DM. Results: muscle mass must be taken into account in the clinical context of patients with T2DM. It has an enormous impact on patient function and quality of life, and is as important as adequate metabolic control of T2DM. Conclusions: in addition to drug therapy and diet adjustments, aerobic and strength activities are essential for maintaining muscle mass and function in diabetic patients. In concrete situations, artificial oral supplementation specific for muscle care could improve the situation of malnutrition and low muscle mass. Measures such as the walking speed test, chair test, or the SARC-F questionnaire, together with the Barthel index, constitute a first step to diagnose relevant impairment requiring intervention in patients with T2DM. This document seeks to answer some questions about the importance, assessment, and control of muscle mass in T2DM.

Introducción: Objetivos: informe de expertos para valorar la realidad de la pérdida de masa muscular en las personas con diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) y proponer, en base a la evidencia de la bibliografía y la experiencia clínica, cómo debería ser el abordaje clínico de esta comorbilidad. Método: estudio cualitativo de opinión de expertos mediante metodología nominal. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre diabetes y músculos que se remitió a un grupo multidisciplinar de 7 expertos que, en reunión presencial, discutieron sobre diversos aspectos del papel de la masa muscular en la DM2. Resultados: la masa muscular debe tenerse en cuenta dentro del cuadro clínico del paciente con DM2. Repercute enormemente sobre la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida del paciente y es tan importante como el adecuado control metabólico de la DM2. Conclusión: además de la terapia farmacológica y la dieta adaptada, es imprescindible un patrón de actividad física aeróbica y de fuerza para el mantenimiento de la masa y la función muscular en el paciente diabético. En situaciones particulares, una suplementación oral artificial específica para el cuidado del músculo podría mejorar la situación de desnutrición y baja masa muscular. Medidas como el test de la velocidad de marcha, el test de la silla o el cuestionario SARC-F, junto a un índice de Barthel, son un primer paso para diagnosticar un deterioro relevante sobre el que actuar en el paciente DM2. Este documento pretende resolver algunos interrogantes sobre la importancia, la valoración y el control de la masa muscular en la DM2.

Effect of semaglutide on fatty liver disease biomarkers in patients with diabetes and obesity.

AIM: This work aims to assess the effect of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide on biomarkers of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), namely the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, at 24 weeks in outpatients attended to in internal medicine departments. METHODS: This study analyzed patients in an ongoing, multicenter, prospective, pre-post, uncontrolled cohort registry that enrolls unique, consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes treated with weekly subcutaneous semaglutide. Steatosis/fibrosis were determined by HSI (<30 ruled out, >36 steatosis) and FIB-4 (<1.3 ruled out, >2.67 fibrosis), respectively. RESULTS: The sample included 213 patients (46.9% women) with a median age of 64 (19) years. The median baseline body mass index and weight were 36.1 (8.4) kg/m2 and 98 (26.9) kg, respectively. A total of 99.9% had HSI values indicating steatosis, with a mean HSI of 47.9 (8.2). Additionally, 10.8% had fibrosis (FIB-4 > 2.67) and 42.72% had values in intermediate ranges (FIB-4 1.3-2.67). At 24 weeks, there was a significant reduction in HSI (-2.36 (95%CI 1.83-2.9) p < 0.00001) and FIB-4 (-0.075 (95%CI 0.015-0.14) p < 0.016), mainly related to declines in body weight, triglyceride levels, insulin resistance (estimated by the triglyceride-glucose index), and liver enzymes. CONCLUSION: These results show that weekly subcutaneous semaglutide had a beneficial effect on liver steatosis that went beyond glucose control. Its effects were mainly related to weight loss, a decline in biomarkers, and improvements in insulin sensitivity. For many patients, early detection is essential for improving MAFLD outcomes and may allow for selecting the most efficient treatment options.

High-Risk Obesity Phenotypes: Target for Multimorbidity Prevention at the ROFEMI Study.

Background: Describe the profile of patients with obesity in internal medicine to determine the role of adiposity and related inflammation on the metabolic risk profile and, identify various "high-risk obesity" phenotypes by means of a cluster analysis. This study aimed to identify different profiles of patients with high-risk obesity based on a cluster analysis. Methods: Cross-sectional, multicenter project that included outpatients attended to in internal medicine. A total of 536 patients were studied. The mean age was 62 years, 51% were women. Patients were recruited from internal medicine departments over two weeks in November and December 2021 and classified into four risk groups according to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). High-risk obesity was defined as BMI > 35 Kg/m2 or BMI 30−34.9 Kg/m2 and a high WC (>102 cm for men and >88 cm for women). Hierarchical and partitioning clustering approaches were performed to identify profiles. Results: A total of 462 (86%) subjects were classified into the high-risk obesity group. After excluding 19 patients missing critical data, two profiles emerged: cluster 1 (n = 396) and cluster 2 (n = 47). Compared to cluster 1, cluster 2 had a worse profile, characterized by older age (77 ± 16 vs. 61 ± 21 years, p < 0.01), a Charlson Comorbidity Index > 3 (53% vs. 5%, p < 0.001), depression (36% vs. 19%, p = 0.008), severe disability (64% vs. 3%, p < 0.001), and a sarcopenia score ≥ 4 (79% vs. 16%, p < 0.01). In addition, cluster 2 had greater inflammation than cluster 1 (hsCRP: 5.8 ± 4.1 vs. 2.1 ± 4.5 mg/dL, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Two profiles of subjects with high-risk obesity were identified. Based on that, older subjects with obesity require measures that target sarcopenia, disability, psychological health, and significant comorbidities to prevent further health deterioration. Longitudinal studies should be performed to identify potential risk factors of subjects who progress from cluster 1 to cluster 2.

Association of blood group A with hospital comorbidity in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Background and objectives: In the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, identifying which risk factors are associated with the most serious forms of the disease is important. Blood group A has been presented in various studies as a poor prognostic factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients with blood group A were associated with more important comorbidities, measured by the Charlson Index, which may explain their worse clinical evolution. Patients and methods: A prospective and consecutive study examined 100 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted in March 2020. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the association of blood group A with the Charlson Index. Results: Patients in group A had a higher Charlson Index (P = .037), rate of lymphopenia (P = .039) and thrombopenia (P = .014), and hospital mortality (P = .044). Blood group A was an independent factor associated with the Charlson Index (B 0.582, 95% CI 0.02-1.14, P = .041). Conclusions: Group A was independently associated with greater comorbidity, associated with an increase of 0.582 points in the Charlson Index compared to other blood groups. It was also associated with lower hospital mortality.

Fundamento y objetivos: En la pandemia provocada por SARS-CoV-2, es importante identificar qué factores de riesgo se asocian a las formas más graves de la enfermedad. El grupo sanguíneo A se ha presentado en diversos estudios como factor de mal pronóstico. El objetivo de este estudio radica en evaluar si los pacientes de grupo sanguíneo O asocian comorbilidades más importantes, medido por el Índice de Charlson, que puedan justificar también su peor evolución clínica. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo y consecutivo con 100 pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 ingresados en marzo de 2020. Se empleó un modelo de regresión lineal multivariante para evaluar la asociación del grupo sanguíneo A con el Índice de Charlson. Resultados: Los pacientes del grupo A presentaron mayor Índice de Charlson (P = .037), linfopenia (P = .039), trombopenia (P = .014) y mortalidad hospitalaria (P = .044).El grupo sanguíneo A demostró ser un factor independiente asociado a dicho índice [B 0.582, IC 95% (0.02­1.14), P = .041]. Conclusiones: El grupo A se asocia de forma independiente a mayor comorbilidad, asociando un incremento de 0.582 puntos en el índice de Charlson con respecto al resto de grupos sanguíneos. Además, asocia una tendencia de menor mortalidad hospitalaria.

Different profiles of advanced heart failure among patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Findings from the EPICTER study.

AIM: This work aims to compare the characteristics of advanced heart failure (HF) in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to determine the relevance of variables used to define advanced HF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, multicenter study included patients hospitalized for HF. They were classified into four groups according to presence/absence of advanced HF, determined based on general and cardiac criteria, and presence/absence of DM. To analyze the importance of variables, we grew a random forest algorithm (RF) based on mortality at six months. RESULTS: A total of 3153 patients were included. The prevalence of advanced HF among patients with DM was 24% compared to 23% among those without DM (p=0.53). Patients with advanced HF and DM had more comorbidity related to cardiovascular and renal diseases; their prognosis was the poorest (log-rank <0.0001) though the adjusted hazard ratio by group in the Cox regression analysis was not significant. The variables that were significantly related to mortality were the number of comorbidities (p=0.005) and systolic blood pressure (p=0.024). The RF showed that general criteria were more important for defining advanced HF than cardiac criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced HF and DM were characterized by DM in progression with macro and microvascular complications. The outcomes among advanced HF patients were poor; patients with advanced HF and DM had the poorest outcomes. General criteria were the most important to establish accurately a definition of advanced HF, being decisive the evidence of disease progression in patients with DM.