Adherence to local guidelines for venous thromboprophylaxis: a cross-sectional study of medical inpatients in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis has been shown to safely and cost-effectively reduce the incidence of thromboembolic events in medical inpatients. However, there is a gap between evidence and medical practice. The aim of this study was evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in accordance with local recommendations for medical inpatients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 310 prescriptions of medical general-ward admitted patients of two university hospitals of Buenos Aires, Argentina.Data was collected using filled-out prescriptions, medical records and interviews with the head attending physician. Information was gathered at different times during 16 days randomly selected over September 2007 and January 2008. RESULTS: One hundred eighty eight patients' prescriptions (60.6%) were appropriate according to the institutional guidelines. Inappropriateness was due to excessive (14.2%), insufficient (15.8%) and absent (9.4%) prescribing. According to the recommendations of the American College of Chest Physicians, 256 (82.6%) patients received appropriate prophylaxis. Twenty-nine patients (9.4%) were considered at low risk for thromboembolism and did not need pharmacologic or mechanical prophylaxis. One hundred three patients (33.2%) had at least one major risk factor for venous thromboembolism. Compliance with the institutional guidelines was more frequently in the case of high risk patients. Complex preventive measures and low risk patients were related to lower adherence to recommendations. In the multivariate analysis, predictors of inappropriateness were the requirement of a surgical procedure and absence of prophylaxis prescribing at admission. In contrast, patients with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders had lower odds of inappropriateness than those with an infectious disease. CONCLUSIONS: Most medical inpatients received some thromboprophylaxis measure, but the compliance with recommendations was less frequent. Efforts should be made to improve the appropriate prescription.

Calidad de atención en pacientes diabéticos bajo tratamiento farmacológico / Quality of care in diabetic patients receiving pharmacologic treatment

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad crónica de prevalencia creciente. El tratamiento adecuado de la enfermedad y la prevención de complicaciones crónicas reducen la morbimortalidad de manera costo-efectiva. Dichas acciones deben ser medidas a través de indicadores validados de calidad de atención. El objetivo del presente estudio fue medir la calidad de atención en pacientes diabéticos bajo tratamiento farmacológico en una institución universitaria privada. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en pacientes adultos que compraron insulina o hipoglucemiantes orales durante un período de 3 meses; la información clínico demográfica fue obtenida durante un lapso de 12 meses consecutivos posteriores al período de compra. Se incluyeron 305 pacientes, en su mayoría hombres (60%), diabéticos tipo 2 (95%) y con predominio de uso de hipoglucemiantes orales (86%). Se documentaron controles de presión arterial en el 80%, examen del pie en el 5%, oftalmológico en el 27%, HbA1C en el 85%, perfil lipídico completo en el 82%, microalbuminuria en el 27% y clearance de creatinina en el 22% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Los valores medios obtenidos fueron HbA1C 7.1 (más o menos 1.6)%, y en el 66% fue menor o igual a 7%, LDL 113 (más o menos 33.6) mg/dl y en el 30% menor que 100 mg/dl, PA 136-79 mm Hg y en un 46% de los pacientes menor que 130-80 mm Hg. Este estudio enfatiza la necesidad de realizar controles de calidad con indicadores validados y resalta los aspectos que deben ser mejorados dentro de un sistema de salud.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with an increasing prevalence. Appropriate treatment of the disease and prevention of chronic complications reduce morbidity and mortality in a cost-effective manner. These actions should be measured through the use of validated indicators for quality of care. The goal of this study was to assess the quality of care in diabetic patients under pharmacologic treatment in a private university hospital. A retrospective study was conducted in adult patients who bought insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents during a 3 month period; demographic and clinical data were obtained for 12 consecutive months following the buying period. The study included 305 adult patients; most were males (60%), with type 2 diabetes (95%), and using oral hipoglycemic agents (86%). Control of blood pressure was registered in 80%, foot exam in 5%, eye exam in 27%, HbA1C blood level in 85%, complete lipid profile in 82%, microalbuminuria in 27% and creatinine clearance in 22% of patients, respectively. Mean values were HbA1C 7.1(more or less than 1.6)%, and less than or equal to 7% in 66%, LDL 113 (more or less than 33.6) mg/dl and less than 100 mg/dl in 30%, BP 136-79 mm Hg and less than 130-80 mm Hg in 46% of patients, respectively. This study emphasizes the need for quality of care assessment through validated indicators and points out the aspects that should be improved within a health care system.

Medios de contraste, cómo usarlos? Estudio de reacciones indeseadas, su prevención y tratamiento / Contrast media, how to use them?: adverse reactions, prophylaxis and treatment

Se presenta un trabajo sobre medios de contraste iodados y sus efectos adversos, poniéndose énfasis en el concepto de premedicación, tratamiento de las reacciones y consentimiento informado

Medios de contraste, cómo usarlos? Estudio de reacciones indeseadas, su prevención y tratamiento / Contrast media, how to use them?: adverse reactions, prophylaxis and treatment

Se presenta un trabajo sobre medios de contraste iodados y sus efectos adversos, poniéndose énfasis en el concepto de premedicación, tratamiento de las reacciones y consentimiento informado (AU)