Barbed versus conventional suture in elective posterior spine surgery.

PURPOSE: Barbed sutures are tissue control devices that can reduce operating room time and costs. We analyzed the utility of barbed sutures in posterior spinal surgery in order to prove non-inferiority to conventional methods for wound closure. METHODS: A cohort of patients undergoing elective posterior spinal surgery in which barbed (prospective) versus conventional sutures (retrospective) were used was analyzed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of wound healing complications or the need for surgical revision. Secondary endpoints included postoperative stay, readmission rate, and duration and cost of wound closure. RESULT: A total of 483 patients participated in the study, 183 in the Barbed group and 300 in the Conventional group. Wound dehiscence or seroma occurred in 3.8% and 2.7% of the Barbed and Conventional groups, respectively (p = 0.6588). Both superficial (1.6% versus 4.0%, P = 0.2378) and deep infections (2.7% versus 4.7%, p = 0.4124) occurred similarly in both groups. Overall, the rate of re-intervention due to wound healing problems was also similar (4.9% versus 5.3%, p = 0.9906), as well as, total median hospital stay, postoperative stay and 30-day re-admission rates. The average duration of wound closure (1.66 versus 4.16 min per level operated, p < 0.0001) strongly favored the Barbed group. The mean cost of wound closure per patient was higher in the Barbed group (43.23 € versus 22.67 €, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In elective posterior spinal procedures, the use of barbed sutures significantly reduced the duration of wound closure. The wound healing process was not hindered and the added cost related to the suture material was small.

Enfoques extras disciplinarios para aproximar la brecha teoría y práctica: Pierre Bourdieu y la interseccionalidad / Abordagens extra-disciplinares para colmatar o fosso entre a teoria e a prática: Pierre Bourdieu e a interseccionalidade / Extra-disciplinary approaches to bridging the theory-practice gap: Pierre Bourdieu and intersectionality

En esta editorial el autor reflexiona acerca de la dicotomía teoría/práctica y como la integración de teorías transdisciplinarias pueden contribuir a acercar posturas. Para ello comenta la teoría de la práctica desarrollada por Bourdieu y la interseccionalidad aportando un ejemplo de como su interconexión puede mejorar tanto la teoría como la práctica de la enfermería y por tanto contribuyendo a su vertebración y epistemología.(AU)

In this editorial the author reflects on the theory/practicedichotomy and how the integration of transdisciplinarytheories can help to bring positions closer together. To doso, he discusses the theory of practice developed by Bourdieuand intersectionality, providing an example of how theirinterconnection can improve both the theory and practice ofnursing and thus contribute to its structuring and epistemology.(AU)

Neste editorial o autor reflecte sobre a dicotomia teoria/práticae como a integração de teorias transdisciplinares pode ajudar aaproximar posições. Para isso, discute a teoria da prática desenvolvidapor Bourdieu e a interseccionalidade, exemplificando como a suainterligação pode melhorar a teoria e a prática da enfermageme, assim, contribuir para a sua estruturação e epistemologia.(AU)

Tackling the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of cellulose nanofibers from the banana rachis: A new food packaging alternative.

Cellulose nanofibrils from the banana rachis are a good alternative as packaging materials, food packaging, stabilizing agents, and functional food ingredients. To address the potential effects of ingested banana rachis cellulose nanofibrils (BR-CNFs), their toxicity in vitro and in vivo was evaluated using Caco-2 intestinal cells and mice, respectively. The results showed that BR-CNFs did not cause cytotoxic effects at the concentrations evaluated on Caco-2 cells. In addition to cytotoxicity tests, genotoxicity assays using comet assay indicated that Caco-2 cells showed no DNA damage at the concentrations of CNFs tested. Finally, acute in vivo cytotoxicity assays indicated that mice showed no sign of pathogenesis or lesions in the liver, kidney, or small intestine when treated with a single dose of BR-CNFs. Moreover, when the mice were treated daily for a month with BR-CNFs no hyperplasia or hypertrophy was observed in any of the organs evaluated. Additionally, biochemical parameters such as blood chemistry, creatinine, liver enzymes, and renal function showed that the BR-CNFs do not cause organ damage. Overall, this study shows that BR-CNFs are neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic. In conclusion, these studies are essential to guarantee the safety of this high value-added product in the food industry.

La psicopatología de la esquizofrenia / The psychopathology of schizophrenia

El presente artículo pretende realizar una revisión de distintos aspectos teóricos en torno a la psicopatología y la esquizofrenia. Se revisan aspectos epistemológicos que afectan a la psicopatología en general y se revisa el enfoque fenomenológico-conductual para el abordaje de la esquizofrenia según publicaciones de las últimas décadas con objeto de ofrecer un punto de encuentro epistemológico y clínico. (AU)

The present article means to carry out a review of some theoretical aspects regarding psychopathology and schizophrenia. Epistemological aspects that affect psychopathology in general are reviewed. In addition, the phenomenological-behavioral approach in schizophrenia is examined specifically in order to offer a possible epistemological and clinical meeting point. (AU)

Mención de "La Pandemia" retomando las preguntas del autor / Mention of the pandemic

Apreciado editor "¿Por qué sucedió esto en una sociedad, como la contemporánea, pletórica de ciencia y tecnología?". El autor de la carta Pandemia, Castaño [1] lanza esta pregunta, una cuestión con todo el sentido del mundo en tanto que lo razonable es que las ciencias nos tendrían que haber conducido al máximo bien, al máximo control de lo "malo" como lo es la pandemia COVID-19. Sin embargo, no ha sido así, y esto requiere de análisis. Efectivamente es inevitable enumerar las consecuencias negativas de esta pandemia, destaco para comenzar la mencionada por el autor en torno a las medidas de confinamiento:"disolviendo así el tejido social, destruyendo la economía y, en última instancia,condenándola a morirse de hambre" [1]..Au

Polvo de vancomicina tópico para la prevención de infección de herida quirúrgica en cirugía electiva de columna por vía posterior / Vancomycin powder for the prevention of surgical site infection in posterior elective spinal surgery

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad del polvo de vancomicina tópico como profilaxis de infección de herida quirúrgica (IHQ) en cirugía de columna electiva por abordaje posterior. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio unicéntrico cuasiexperimental de comparación pre- y postintervención. El grupo postintervención recibió profilaxis antibiótica estándar preoperatoria junto a 1g de polvo de vancomicina en el lecho quirúrgico antes del cierre de la herida. El grupo preintervención solo recibió la profilaxis intravenosa. RESULTADOS: Participaron 150 pacientes en cada grupo. Ocurrieron 12 infecciones (7 superficiales, 5 profundas) en el grupo postintervención y 16 infecciones (7 superficiales, 9 profundas) en el grupo preintervención. El riesgo de IHQ profunda se redujo del 6% al 3,3% (OR 0,54; IC 95% 0,17-1,65; p = 0,411) con el tratamiento. El porcentaje de IHQ profunda por gramnegativos-positivos fue del 80-20% en el grupo tratado con vancomicina y del 33-67% en los no tratados (p = 0,265). No se produjeron efectos adversos locales ni sistémicos por el tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: La profilaxis con polvo de vancomicina en cirugía electiva de columna por abordaje posterior no redujo de forma significativa la incidencia de IHQ superficial o profunda. Se constató una tendencia al aumento de IHQ profunda por microorganismos gramnegativos en los tratados con vancomicina

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of vancomycin powder as surgical site infection (SSI) prophylaxis in posterior bilateral elective spinal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center quasi-experimental pre and postintervention comparative cohort study. The post-intervention group received standard intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis plus 1g of vancomycin powder into the surgical field before wound closure, and the pre-intervention group only the intravenous prophylaxis. RESULTS: 150 patients were included in each group. Twelve SSI (7 superficial and 5 deep) occurred in the post-intervention group and 16 SSI (7 superficial and 9 deep) in the pre-intervention group. The risk of deep SSI decreased from 6.0% to 3.3% (OR 0,54, 95%CI 0.17-1.65, p = 0.411) with vancomycin powder. The percentage of deep SSI due to gram negative-positive germs were 80%-20% and 33%-67% for the post- and pre-intervention groups, respectively (p = 0.265). No local or systemic adverse effects occurred attributable to vancomycin powder. CONCLUSIÓN: In posterior elective spinal surgery, prophylaxis with vancomycin powder did not result in a significantly reduced incidence of superficial and deep SSI. There was a trend towards a higher incidence of deep SSI caused by gram negative microorganisms among those treated with vancomycin

Vancomycin powder for the prevention of surgical site infection in posterior elective spinal surgery. / Polvo de vancomicina tópico para la prevención de infección de herida quirúrgica en cirugía electiva de columna por vía posterior.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of vancomycin powder as surgical site infection (SSI) prophylaxis in posterior bilateral elective spinal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center quasi-experimental pre and postintervention comparative cohort study. The post-intervention group received standard intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis plus 1g of vancomycin powder into the surgical field before wound closure, and the pre-intervention group only the intravenous prophylaxis. RESULTS: 150 patients were included in each group. Twelve SSI (7 superficial and 5 deep) occurred in the post-intervention group and 16 SSI (7 superficial and 9 deep) in the pre-intervention group. The risk of deep SSI decreased from 6.0% to 3.3% (OR 0,54, 95%CI 0.17-1.65, p=0.411) with vancomycin powder. The percentage of deep SSI due to gram negative-positive germs were 80%-20% and 33%-67% for the post- and pre-intervention groups, respectively (p=0.265). No local or systemic adverse effects occurred attributable to vancomycin powder. CONCLUSION: In posterior elective spinal surgery, prophylaxis with vancomycin powder did not result in a significantly reduced incidence of superficial and deep SSI. There was a trend towards a higher incidence of deep SSI caused by gram negative microorganisms among those treated with vancomycin.

Medidas de protección radiológica: implicaciones en el diseño de quirófanos de neurocirugía / Radiation protection measures: Implications on the design of neurosurgery operating rooms

Objetivo: Describir pros y contras de diversas medidas de protección radiológica y sus implicaciones en el diseño de un quirófano de neurocirugía. Material y métodos: Se realizó una reforma estructural del quirófano de neurocirugía a propósito de la adquisición y uso de un O-arm. Se ampliaron las medidas y blindajes del quirófano, y se instaló una mampara blindada y abatible en su interior. Se midieron dosis de radiación delante y detrás de la mampara. Resultados: La mampara proporciona una radioprotección integral para todo el personal de quirófano (dosis < 5μSv a 2,5 m del gantry por cada exploración con O-arm; 0,0μSv tras la mampara por cada exploración de O-arm; dosis acumulada anual tras la mampara, indetectable), obvia la necesidad de delantales plomados y dosímetros personales y minimiza la circulación de personal. El aumento del tamaño del quirófano permite almacenar los equipos dentro y minimiza el riesgo de colisión o contaminación. Los quirófanos rectangulares permiten aumentar la distancia al foco emisor de radiación. Conclusiones: El blindaje de paredes, techos y suelos, la forma rectangular y la superficie lo más amplia posible, la presencia de una mampara plomada y abatible, y los sistemas de seguridad que impiden una irrupción inesperada en el quirófano mientras se está irradiando son cuestiones relevantes a tener en cuenta en el diseño del quirófano de neurocirugía

Objective: To describe pros and cons of some radiation protection measures and the implications on the design of a neurosurgery operating room. Material and methods: Concurring with the acquisition and use of an O-arm device, a structural remodeling of our neurosurgery operating room was carried out. The theater was enlarged, the shielding was reinforced and a foldable leaded screen was installed inside the operating room. Radiation doses were measured in front of and behind the screen. Results: The screen provides whole-body radiation protection for all the personnel inside the theater (effective dose <5μSv at 2,5 m from the gantry per O-arm exploration; 0,0μSv received behind the screen per O-arm exploration; and undetectable cumulative annual radiation dose behind the screen), obviates the need for leaded aprons and personal dosimeters, and minimizes the circulation of personnel. Enlarging the size of the operating room allows storing the equipment inside and minimizes the risk of collision and contamination. Rectangular rooms provide greater distance from the source of radiation. Conclusion: Floor, ceiling and walls shielding, a rectangular-shaped and large enough theater, the presence of a foldable leaded screen, and the security systems precluding an unexpected irruption into the operating room during irradiation are relevant issues to consider when designing a neurosurgery operating theater

[Radiation protection measures: Implications on the design of neurosurgery operating rooms]. / Medidas de protección radiológica: implicaciones en el diseño de quirófanos de neurocirugía.

OBJECTIVE: To describe pros and cons of some radiation protection measures and the implications on the design of a neurosurgery operating room. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Concurring with the acquisition and use of an O-arm device, a structural remodeling of our neurosurgery operating room was carried out. The theater was enlarged, the shielding was reinforced and a foldable leaded screen was installed inside the operating room. Radiation doses were measured in front of and behind the screen. RESULTS: The screen provides whole-body radiation protection for all the personnel inside the theater (effective dose <5µSv at 2,5 m from the gantry per O-arm exploration; 0,0µSv received behind the screen per O-arm exploration; and undetectable cumulative annual radiation dose behind the screen), obviates the need for leaded aprons and personal dosimeters, and minimizes the circulation of personnel. Enlarging the size of the operating room allows storing the equipment inside and minimizes the risk of collision and contamination. Rectangular rooms provide greater distance from the source of radiation. CONCLUSION: Floor, ceiling and walls shielding, a rectangular-shaped and large enough theater, the presence of a foldable leaded screen, and the security systems precluding an unexpected irruption into the operating room during irradiation are relevant issues to consider when designing a neurosurgery operating theater.

Considerations about the assessment of stigma towards persons with schizophrenia: The question of gender.

This letter points up the role of gender on the measure of the social distance toward schizophrenia in university students. We discuss what implies a preference for greater social distance towards the person in the vignette if identified as a male. A male with schizophrenia may suffer more stigma than a woman and therefore the assessment of stigma should take this into account.

Nivel socioeconómico bajo y el dolor incapacitante en pacientes de la unidad del dolor / Low socioeconomic status and disabling pain in patients of the pain unit

Objetivo: Conocer la asociación entre el nivel socioeconómico que presentaban los pacientes diagnosticados de dolor crónico que acudían a la Unidad del Dolor y su adaptación al dolor crónico en términos de dolor, discapacidad y estado de ánimo. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio correlacional con una muestra de pacientes con dolor crónico que acudían a la Unidad del Dolor del Hospital Carlos Haya de Málaga. Mediante el uso de autoinformes que fueron administrados de forma oral, se midieron las siguientes variables: el nivel socioeconómico, el dolor, la discapacidad y el estado de ánimo. Se aplicó un ANOVA para comparar a los pa cientes en función del nivel socioeconómico (NSE). Resultados: El grupo NSE bajo, formado mayoritariamente por mujeres (85,7%), presentaban un dolor más incapacitante para las actividades de la vida diaria y consumían más medicación. Conclusión: Los resultados revelan que las condiciones socioeconómicas pueden suponer un factor de riesgo de una experiencia más desadaptativa del dolor crónico.

Objective: To determine the association between the socioeconomic status of patients diagnosed with chronic pain entering the Pain Unit and their adaptation to chronic pain in terms of pain, disability and mood. Method: This is a cross-sectional study of 133 chronic pain patients attending the Pain Unit at the Carlos Haya Hospital in Málaga. By means of oral self-reports the following variables were measured: socioeconomic level, pain and discomfort, disability and mood. An ANOVA test was used to compare patients according to their Socioeconomic Status (SES). Results: The low SES group had more disabling pain for daily activities and took more medication. The low NSE group consisted mainly of women (85.7%). Conclusion: The results reveal that socioeconomic conditions may be a risk factor for more disabling chronic pain.

Intensive nutritional support improves the nutritional status and body composition in severely malnourished children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that a nutritional support intervention, via naso-enteral tube-feeding or gastrostomy, has a significant impact on the nutritional status and body composition in severely malnourished children with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia. METHODS: Thirteen patients with moderate/severe malnutrition and cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia who were fed via naso-enteral tube-feeding or gastrostomy were included in a cohort study. Anthropometric measurements and estimated body composition by bioelectric impedance analysis were obtained. ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests were used. RESULTS: During the four weeks of nutritional recovery, an average weight increase of 2700 g was achieved. There were significant increases in anthropometric indicators, including BMI and weight/length (p < 0.01). The increase in arm fat area was significantly higher than the increase in arm muscle area (104.5 vs 17.5%). CONCLUSION: Intensive nutritional support for four weeks had a significant effect on the nutritional status and body composition of severe and moderately malnourished children with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia.

Objetivo: Demostrar que el apoyo nutricio intensivo por vía naso-enteral o gastrostomía tiene un impacto significativo en el estado nutricio y en la composición corporal en niños desnutridos graves con parálisis cerebral cuadriplejia espástica. Métodos: En un estudio de cohorte se incluyeron trece pacientes con desnutrición moderada/grave y parálisis cerebral cuadriplejia espástica, quienes fueron alimentados por vía naso-enteral o gastrostomía. Fueron obtenidos indicadores antropométricos y de composición corporal estimada por antropometría e impedancia bio-eléctrica. Se utilizó ANOVA y prueba de Wilcoxon para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: Hubo un aumento de 2700 g durante las cuatro semanas de recuperación nutricia y un incremento significativo en los indicadores antropométricos, índice de masa corporal y peso/talla (p < 0,01). El porcentaje de incremento del área grasa del brazo fue mayor que el área muscular del brazo (104,5 vs 17,5%). Conclusión: El apoyo nutricio intensivo tuvo un efecto significativo en el estado nutricio y en la composición corporal de niños con desnutrición moderada/grave con parálisis cerebral infantil.

Intensive nutritional support improves the nutritional status and body composition in severely malnourished children with cerebral palsy / El apoyo nutricio intensivo mejora el estado nutricio y la composición corporal en niños gravemente desnutridos con parálisis cerebral

Objective: To demonstrate that a nutritional support intervention, via naso-enteral tube-feeding or gastrostomy, has a significant impact on the nutritional status and body composition in severely malnourished children with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia Methods: Thirteen patients with moderate/severe malnutrition and cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia who were fed via naso-enteral tube-feeding or gastrostomy were included in a cohort study. Anthropometric measurements and estimated body composition by bioelectric impedance analysis were obtained. ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests were used. Results: During the four weeks of nutritional recovery, an average weight increase of 2700 g was achieved. There were significant increases in anthropometric indicators, including BMI and weight/length (p < 0.01). The increase in arm fat area was significantly higher than the increase in arm muscle area (104.5 vs 17.5%). Conclusion: Intensive nutritional support for four weeks had a significant effect on the nutritional status and body composition of severe and moderately malnourished children with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia (AU)

Objetivo: Demostrar que el apoyo nutricio intensivo por vía naso-enteral o gastrostomía tiene un impacto significativo en el estado nutricio y en la composición corporal en niños desnutridos graves con parálisis cerebral cuadriplejia espástica. Métodos: En un estudio de cohorte se incluyeron trece pacientes con desnutrición moderada/grave y parálisis cerebral cuadriplejia espástica, quienes fueron alimentados por vía naso-enteral o gastrostomía. Fueron obtenidos indicadores antropométricos y de composición corporal estimada por antropometría e impedancia bio-eléctrica. Se utilizó ANOVA y prueba de Wilcoxon para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: Hubo un aumento de 2700 g durante las cuatro semanas de recuperación nutricia y un incremento significativo en los indicadores antropométricos, índice de masa corporal y peso/talla (p < 0,01). El porcentaje de incremento del área grasa del brazo fue mayor que el área muscular del brazo (104,5 vs 17,5%). Conclusión: El apoyo nutricio intensivo tuvo un efecto significativo en el estado nutricio y en la composición corporal de niños con desnutrición moderada/grave con parálisis cerebral infantil (AU)

Factores motivacionales en la elección de los estudios de Enfermería / Motivating factors for the selection of Nursing as a career

Objetivo: describir los factores motivacionales (tradicionales, prácticos y profesionales) en la elección de los estudios de Enfermería. Analizarlas diferencias generacionales, así como las vías de acceso a la carrera utilizadas. Material y método: estudio descriptivo transversal. La población de estudio fueron: profesionales de Enfermería de cuatro unidades hospitalarias(n= 104) del Hospital General Yagüe de Burgos, y estudiantes de 2º curso (n= 48) de la Escuela de Enfermería de Burgos. La recogida de los datos se realizó a través de dos cuestionarios anónimos reelaboración propia, previamente pilotados. Para el análisis bivariantese utilizó el coeficiente de contingencia. Resultados: participaron 106 profesionales y 51 estudiantes. El70,8% de los encuestados afirmó haber estudiado la carrera por vocación. Los estudiantes habían tenido experiencias laborales previas en el mundo sanitario en mayor porcentaje que los profesionales (p=0,002), también en mayor porcentaje tenían un familiar que trabaja en la rama sanitaria (p= 0,047), y habían elegido esta carrera por presentar buenas expectativas de trabajo (p= 0,007). Existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p= 0,013) entre grupos generacionales en lo relativo a “Elegir estudiar Enfermería nuevamente” (65,5% delos profesionales con más de 22 años experiencia laboral, frente al94% de los estudiantes).Conclusiones: la mayoría de los encuestados estudia Enfermería “por vocación y/o deseo de ayudar a los demás”, independientemente de la edad y de los años de profesión, ante lo cual se puede resaltar el carácter vocacional de esta profesión a lo largo del tiempo. No obstante, es entre los profesionales más experimentados donde el porcentaje que no volvería a estudiar esta carrera es mayor, lo que pone de manifiesto que con el paso de los años puede haber un desencanto profesional (AU)

Objective: to describe the motivating factors (traditional, practical and professional) for the selection of the Nursing career. To analyze generational differences, as well as the ways used to access the career. Material and method: transversal descriptive study. The population of this study was: Nursing professionals in four hospital units (n= 104)at the Hospital General Yagüe in Burgos, and 2nd year students (n= 48)from the Nursing School in Burgos. Data collection was conducted through two self-prepared anonymous questionnaires, which had previously undergone a pilot test. The contingency quotient was used for the bivariate analysis. Results: the study included 106 professionals and 51 students. A70.8% of the participants claimed they have studied the career by vocation. Students had previous working experience in the healthcare area to a higher proportion than professionals (p= 0.002), and also hadsome relative who was working in the healthcare area to a higher proportion(p= 0.047), and had chosen this career because it presented good job expectations (p= 0.007). There were statistically significant differences (p= 0.013) between generational groups regarding “Choosing again to study Nursing” (65.5% of professionals with over 22 years of working experience, vs. 94% of students).Conclusions: the majority of the participants have chosen the Nursing career by vocation and/or desire to help others, regardless of their age and years of practice; this highlights the vocational nature of this profession over time. However, there is a higher proportion of professionals with longer experience who would not study this career again, showing that there may be some professional disappointment as years go by (AU)

Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral intervention in patients with medically unexplained symptoms: cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Medically unexplained symptoms are an important mental health problem in primary care and generate a high cost in health services.Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy have proven effective in these patients. However, there are few studies on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions by primary health care. The project aims to determine whether a cognitive-behavioral group intervention in patients with medically unexplained symptoms, is more effective than routine clinical practice to improve the quality of life measured by the SF-12 questionary at 12 month. METHODS/DESIGN: This study involves a community based cluster randomized trial in primary healthcare centres in Madrid (Spain). The number of patients required is 242 (121 in each arm), all between 18 and 65 of age with medically unexplained symptoms that had seeked medical attention in primary care at least 10 times during the previous year. The main outcome variable is the quality of life measured by the SF-12 questionnaire on Mental Healthcare. Secondary outcome variables include number of consultations, number of drug (prescriptions) and number of days of sick leave together with other prognosis and descriptive variables. Main effectiveness will be analyzed by comparing the percentage of patients that improve at least 4 points on the SF-12 questionnaire between intervention and control groups at 12 months. All statistical tests will be performed with intention to treat. Logistic regression with random effects will be used to adjust for prognostic factors. Confounding factors or factors that might alter the effect recorded will be taken into account in this analysis. DISCUSSION: This study aims to provide more insight to address medically unexplained symptoms, highly prevalent in primary care, from a quantitative methodology. It involves intervention group conducted by previously trained nursing staff to diminish the progression to the chronicity of the symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce frequency of medical consultations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01484223 [http://ClinicalTrials.gov].