Hereditary angioedema in Spain: medical care and patient journey.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1INH) is a genetic rare disease characterized by recurrent, transient and unpredictable episodes of cold, non-pruriginous oedema without associated urticaria. The characteristics of the disease have a considerable impact on the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to increase understanding of the patient journey of HAE in Spain. METHODS: A multidisciplinary committee of 16 HAE experts (allergy, immunology, emergency department, hospital pharmacy and nursing) and 3 representatives of the Spanish Hereditary Angioedema Patient Association (AEDAF) who were patients or caregivers participated in the study. A review of the publications on HAE treatment was performed. Semi-structured interviews were performed to HAE experts, patients, or caregivers. Three meetings with the experts, patients and caregivers were held to share, discuss, and validate data obtained from literature and interviews and to build the model. RESULTS: Throughout the project, the patient journey has been drawn up, dividing it into the stages of pre-diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment/follow-up. Some areas for improvement have been identified. Firstly, there is a need to enhance awareness and training on HAE among healthcare professionals, with a particular emphasis on primary care and emergency department personnel. Secondly, efforts should be made to minimize patient referral times to allergy/immunology specialists, ensuring timely access to appropriate care. Thirdly, it is crucial to encourage the study of the relatives of diagnosed patients to early identify potential cases. Fourthly, equitable access to self-administered treatments should be ensured, facilitated by systems that enable medication delivery at home and proper education and training for patients. Equitable access to long-term prophylactic treatment should also be prioritized for all patients in need. To standardize HAE management, the development of consensus guidelines that reduce variability in clinical practice is essential. Lastly, promoting research studies to enhance knowledge of the disease and align its treatment with new developments in the healthcare field should be encouraged. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of the patient journey in HAE allowed us to identify improvement areas with the final aim to optimize the disease management.

Superficial vein thrombosis and its relationship with malignancies: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The interrelation of cancer with venous thromboembolism is established, yet the specific impact on the incidence and progression of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between SVT and malignancies, focusing on risk factors, presentation, course and complications. METHODS: A single-center prospective observational study of patients diagnosed with DVT or SVT referred to a venous thromboembolism clinic between January 2013 and April 2018. RESULTS: Of the 632 patients, 205 presented with SVT at referral, 16.6% having active cancer. Significant associations were found between active cancer and the risk of developing proximal SVT (RR 1.54 [1.18-2.03] p < 0.01), SVT within 3 cm from junction (RR 2.01 [1.13-3.72] p = 0.019), bilateral SVT (RR 8.38 [2.10-33.43] p < 0.01) and SVT affecting multiple veins (RR 2.42 [1.40-4.20] p < 0.01), with a higher risk of persistence (RR 1.51 [1.18-1.95] p < 0.01) and progression (RR 5.75 [2.23-14.79] p < 0.01) at initial assessment. Patients with SVT and no malignancy history demonstrated an elevated risk for new-onset cancer during follow-up (RR 1.43 [1.13-1.18] p = 0.022), especially in cases of proximal or bilateral SVT, initial progression or subsequent DVT or PE. No significant differences were observed in persistence, recurrence or complications during initial evaluation or follow-up across different pharmacological treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Research suggests a probable link between cancer history and the development of SVT. SVT presented more severely in cancer patients. SVT, especially in its more complex forms, could serve as a predictive marker for the future development of cancer. Treatment approaches varied, no significant differences in outcomes were noted.

Generalized pustular psoriasis: practical recommendations for Spanish primary care and emergency physicians.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disease that can lead to life-threatening complications and require emergency medical treatment. Recurrent GPP flares are characterized by the sudden onset of widespread erythematous skin rash with sterile pustules, at times associated with fever, chills, general malaise, and other systemic inflammatory manifestations. Systemic complications such as cardiorespiratory failure, infections, and sepsis are potentially life-threatening and can result in an emergency department visit and/or hospitalization. Acute GPP episodes can be difficult to recognize and diagnose. The low incidence of the disease, its relapsing nature, the unpredictability of flare onset, and the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria are major obstacles to achieving rapid recognition and diagnosis in both the emergency department and the hospital setting.There is scarce evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of treatments commonly used for GPP; consequently, there is an unmet need for therapies that specifically target the condition. Our aim is to present a multidisciplinary approach to GPP to achieve a rapid diagnosis ensuring that the patient receives the most appropriate treatment for their pathology. The main recommendation for primary care and emergency physicians is to contact a dermatologist immediately for advice or to refer the patient when GPP or a flare is suspected.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and serious skin disease that can cause life-threatening complications and require urgent medical treatment. When someone has a flare-up of GPP, their skin suddenly becomes red and covered with pus-filled bumps not caused by infection. They may also experience fever and chills and feel generally unwell. These flares can be very difficult to diagnose and lead to serious complications such as infections and organ failure, which may require a visit to the emergency department and/or admission to hospital. The diagnosis of GPP can be challenging as it is a rare and unpredictable disease with different types of flare-ups, making it difficult to identify in the emergency department and the hospital. This article shows that the best recommendation for primary care and emergency doctors is to improve their knowledge of this rare condition. Primary care and emergency doctors should immediately contact a dermatologist for advice or referral if they suspect that a patient has GPP or a flare-up of the disease. An approach involving doctors from different specialties can help ensure that patients receive the appropriate and timely care they need.

Manejo de la urticaria en urgencias: recomendaciones de un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos / Managing urticaria in the emergency department: recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel

La urticaria y el angioedema ocasionan consultas frecuentes en los servicios de urgencias. Por ello, es importante que sean diagnosticados y tratados correctamente en este nivel asistencial y ofrecer un tratamiento y unas pautas de derivación adecuados para evitar visitas adicionales. Un grupo de expertos en dermatología y en medicina de urgencias y emergencias ha revisado las principales guías y publicaciones, y ha desarrollado y consensuado una herramienta práctica para el abordaje de la urticaria, el angioedema y la anafilaxia en urgencias. Presentamos una guía de manejo, un algoritmo basado en el diagnóstico diferencial, un algoritmo terapéutico y unas recomendaciones de derivación de los pacientes. La implementación de esta guía, avalada por la Sociedad Española de Dermatología (AEDV) y la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES), permitirá optimizar el manejo de los pacientes con urticaria y angioedema en urgencias, y mejorará la interrelación con otros servicios. (AU)

Urticaria and angioedema account for many visits to emergency departments. It is important to diagnose and treat them properly at this level of care and to suggest treatments and guidance that can make additional visits unnecessary. A panel of experts in dermatology and emergency medicine reviewed the main guidelines and publications on urticaria and angioedema. The panel then developed and reached consensus on practical approaches and tools for managing urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis in the emergency department. The resulting statement is a guide to management, with algorithms for differential diagnosis and treatment and recommendations for patient referral. Implementing these guidelines, which are supported by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) will facilitate optimal management of emergency department patients with urticaria and angioedema as well as improve interdepartmental relations. (AU)

Managing urticaria in the emergency department: recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel. / Manejo de la urticaria en urgencias: recomendaciones de un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos.

Urticaria and angioedema account for many visits to emergency departments. It is important to diagnose and treat them properly at this level of care and to suggest treatments and guidance that can make additional visits unnecessary. A panel of experts in dermatology and emergency medicine reviewed the main guidelines and publications on urticaria and angioedema. The panel then developed and reached consensus on practical approaches and tools for managing urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis in the emergency department. The resulting statement is a guide to management, with algorithms for differential diagnosis and treatment and recommendations for patient referral. Implementing these guidelines, which are supported by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) will facilitate optimal management of emergency department patients with urticaria and angioedema as well as improve interdepartmental relations.

La urticaria y el angioedema ocasionan consultas frecuentes en los servicios de urgencias. Por ello, es importante que sean diagnosticados y tratados correctamente en este nivel asistencial y ofrecer un tratamiento y unas pautas de derivación adecuados para evitar visitas adicionales. Un grupo de expertos en dermatología y en medicina de urgencias y emergencias ha revisado las principales guías y publicaciones, y ha desarrollado y consensuado una herramienta práctica para el abordaje de la urticaria, el angioedema y la anafilaxia en urgencias. Presentamos una guía de manejo, un algoritmo basado en el diagnóstico diferencial, un algoritmo terapéutico y unas recomendaciones de derivación de los pacientes. La implementación de esta guía, avalada por la Sociedad Española de Dermatología (AEDV) y la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES), permitirá optimizar el manejo de los pacientes con urticaria y angioedema en urgencias, y mejorará la interrelación con otros servicios.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in the initial characterization of patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence regarding the imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in chest X-rays and computed tomography scans; however, their availability during this pandemic outbreak might be compromised. Currently, the role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES: To describe the POCUS findings of COVID-19 in patients with the disease admitted to the emergency department (ED), correlating them with vital signs, laboratory and radiologic results, therapeutic decisions, and the prognosis. METHODS: Prospective study performed in the ED of 2 academic hospitals. Patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 underwent a lung ultrasonography (lung POCUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), and inferior vena cava (IVC) exam. RESULTS: Between March and April 2020, 96 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.2 years (SD 17.5). The most common findings in the lung POCUS were an irregular pleural line (63.2%), bilateral confluence (55.2%), and isolated B-lines (53.1%), which were associated with a positive RT-PCR (odds ratio 4.327; 95% CI 1.216-15.401; p < .001), and correlated with IL-6 levels (rho = 0.622; p = .002). The IVC negatively correlated with levels of expiratory pO2 (rho = -0.539; p = .014) and inspiratory pO2 (rho = -0.527; p = 0.017), and expiratory diameter positively correlated with troponin I (rho = 0.509; p = .03). After the POCUS exam, almost 20% of the patients had an associated condition that required a change in their treatment or management. CONCLUSIONS: POCUS parameters have the potential to impact the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

ANTECEDENTES: Existe una evidencia creciente con respecto a los hallazgos por imagen de la COVID-19, tanto en radiografías de tórax como en tomografía computarizada; sin embargo, la disponibilidad de estas técnicas durante la pandemia podría verse comprometida. OBJETIVOS: Describir los hallazgos en la ecografía en el punto de atención (POCUS) en pacientes con COVID-19 que consultaron en el servicio de urgencias (SU), correlacionándolos con signos vitales, resultados analíticos y radiológicos, decisiones terapéuticas y pronóstico. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo realizado en los SU de dos hospitales académicos. Los pacientes con COVID-19 con alta sospecha o confirmada se sometieron a una ecografía pulmonar (POCUS pulmonar), una ecocardioscopia y una ecografía de la vena cava inferior (VCI). RESULTADOS: Entre marzo y abril del 2020, se reclutaron 96 pacientes. La edad media fue de 68,2 años (DE 17,5). Los hallazgos más comunes en el POCUS pulmonar fueron la línea pleural irregular (63,2%), las líneas B confluyentes bilateral (55,2%) y aisladas (53,1%), que se vincularon con una RT-PCR (odds ratio 4,327; IC 95% 1,216 a 15,401; p < 0,001), y se asoció con los niveles de interleucina-6 (IL-6) (ρ = 0,622; p = 0,002). La VCI se correlacionó negativamente con los niveles de pO2 espiratorio (ρ = − 0,539; p = 0,014) y pO2 inspiratorio (ρ = − 0,527; p = 0,017), y el diámetro espiratorio se relacionó positivamente con la troponina I (ρ = 0,509; p = 0, 03). Después del examen POCUS, casi el 20% de los pacientes tenían una condición asociada que requería un cambio en el tratamiento o manejo previo. CONCLUSIONES: Los parámetros POCUS tienen el potencial de afectar el diagnóstico, manejo y pronóstico de pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in the initial characterization of patients with COVID-19

Background: There is growing evidence regarding the imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in chest X-rays and computed tomography scans; however, their availability during this pandemic outbreak might be compromised. Currently, the role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has yet to be explored.ObjectivesTo describe the POCUS findings of COVID-19 in patients with the disease admitted to the emergency department (ED), correlating them with vital signs, laboratory and radiologic results, therapeutic decisions, and the prognosis.MethodsProspective study performed in the ED of 2 academic hospitals. Patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 underwent a lung ultrasonography (lung POCUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), and inferior vena cava (IVC) exam.ResultsBetween March and April 2020, 96 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.2 years (SD 17.5). The most common findings in the lung POCUS were an irregular pleural line (63.2%), bilateral confluence (55.2%), and isolated B-lines (53.1%), which were associated with a positive RT-PCR (odds ratio 4.327; 95% CI 1.216–15.401; p<.001), and correlated with IL-6 levels (rho=0.622; p=.002). The IVC negatively correlated with levels of expiratory pO2 (rho=−0.539; p=.014) and inspiratory pO2 (rho=−0.527; p=0.017), and expiratory diameter positively correlated with troponin I (rho=0.509; p=.03). After the POCUS exam, almost 20% of the patients had an associated condition that required a change in their treatment or management.ConclusionsPOCUS parameters have the potential to impact the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. (AU)

Antecedentes: Existe una evidencia creciente con respecto a los hallazgos por imagen de la COVID-19, tanto en radiografías de tórax como en tomografía computarizada; sin embargo, la disponibilidad de estas técnicas durante la pandemia podría verse comprometida.ObjetivosDescribir los hallazgos en la ecografía en el punto de atención (POCUS) en pacientes con COVID-19 que consultaron en el servicio de urgencias (SU), correlacionándolos con signos vitales, resultados analíticos y radiológicos, decisiones terapéuticas y pronóstico.MétodosEstudio prospectivo realizado en los SU de dos hospitales académicos. Los pacientes con COVID-19 con alta sospecha o confirmada se sometieron a una ecografía pulmonar (POCUS pulmonar), una ecocardioscopia y una ecografía de la vena cava inferior (VCI).ResultadosEntre marzo y abril del 2020, se reclutaron 96 pacientes. La edad media fue de 68,2 años (DE 17,5). Los hallazgos más comunes en el POCUS pulmonar fueron la línea pleural irregular (63,2%), las líneas B confluyentes bilateral (55,2%) y aisladas (53,1%), que se vincularon con una RT-PCR (odds ratio 4,327; IC 95% 1,216 a 15,401; p < 0,001), y se asoció con los niveles de interleucina-6 (IL-6) (ρ = 0,622; p = 0,002). La VCI se correlacionó negativamente con los niveles de pO2 espiratorio (ρ = − 0,539; p = 0,014) y pO2 inspiratorio (ρ = − 0,527; p = 0,017), y el diámetro espiratorio se relacionó positivamente con la troponina I (ρ = 0,509; p = 0, 03). Después del examen POCUS, casi el 20% de los pacientes tenían una condición asociada que requería un cambio en el tratamiento o manejo previo.ConclusionesLos parámetros POCUS tienen el potencial de afectar el diagnóstico, manejo y pronóstico de pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19. (AU)

[Point-of-care ultrasonography in the initial characterization of patients with COVID-19]. / La ecografía clínica en la caracterización inicial de los pacientes con COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence regarding the imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in chest X-rays and computed tomography scans; however, their availability during this pandemic outbreak might be compromised. Currently, the role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES: To describe the POCUS findings of COVID-19 in patients with the disease admitted to the emergency department (ED), correlating them with vital signs, laboratory and radiologic results, therapeutic decisions, and the prognosis. METHODS: Prospective study performed in the ED of 2 academic hospitals. Patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 underwent a lung ultrasonography (lung POCUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), and inferior vena cava (IVC) exam. RESULTS: Between March and April 2020, 96 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.2 years (SD 17.5). The most common findings in the lung POCUS were an irregular pleural line (63.2%), bilateral confluence (55.2%), and isolated B-lines (53.1%), which were associated with a positive RT-PCR (odds ratio 4.327; 95% CI 1.216-15.401; p<.001), and correlated with IL-6 levels (rho=0.622; p=.002). The IVC negatively correlated with levels of expiratory pO2 (rho=-0.539; p=.014) and inspiratory pO2 (rho=-0.527; p=0.017), and expiratory diameter positively correlated with troponin I (rho=0.509; p=.03). After the POCUS exam, almost 20% of the patients had an associated condition that required a change in their treatment or management. CONCLUSIONS: POCUS parameters have the potential to impact the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Estudio prospectivo de la adecuación en la tromboprofilaxis en pacientes que ingresan en una unidad de corta estancia / A prospective study of the adequacy in the tromboprofilaxis in patients admitted in a short-stay unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: numerosos estudios avalan el uso de la tromboprofilaxis en pacientes con riesgo de enfermedad tromboembólica (ETV) que requieren de ingreso hospitalario. Existe escasa evidencia sobre las indicaciones de tromboprofilaxis en la población de pacientes agudos ingresados en una unidad de corta estancia. OBJETIVOS: estudiar el uso de la tromboprofilaxis en pacientes ingresados en una unidad de corta estancia del servicio de urgencias de un hospital terciario. Se evaluaron variables clínicas (desarrollo de un evento de ETV a tres meses) y bioquímicas (niveles de actividad anti-Xa). MÉTODOS: se incluyeron aquellos pacientes con patología médica aguda con indicación de tromboprofilaxis según la guía PRETEMED. Se determinó la actividad anti-Xa de cada paciente que cumplió los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron los casos de ETV sintomática durante el ingreso hospitalario y durante los tres meses posteriores al alta del servicio de urgencias. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron un total de 100 pacientes. Los factores de riesgo de ETV predisponentes más frecuentes fueron la edad (80 % > 60 años y 66 % > 70 años), neoplasia (28 %), EPOC (28 %) y obesidad (29 %). Los factores de riesgo desencadenantes más frecuentes fueron la presencia de una infección aguda (58 %), inmovilidad (33 %) y quimioterapia (17 %). Según la Guía PRETEMED, se clasificaron como de bajo riesgo (0 %), medio (20 %) y alto (80 %). Durante los tres meses de seguimiento, se observó un 3 % de episodios de ETV sintomáticos (ninguno de estos se produjo durante el ingreso). Un 48 % de los pacientes estaba fuera del rango de actividad anti-Xa tromboprofiláctica. Los factores asociados a esta situación fueron ser mujer y tratamiento con enoxaparina 20 mg al día. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la aparición de complicaciones tromboembólicas en relación a los niveles de actividad anti-Xa. CONCLUSIONES: es necesario estratificar el riesgo de ETV en todos los pacientes, también en aquellos ingresados en unidades de corta estancia, y se abre la necesidad de evaluar las dosis recomendadas de tromboprofilaxis. Observamos una ausencia de correlación entre criterios de eficacia clínica y bioquímica con las pautas habituales de tromboprofilaxis, por lo que resulta cuestionable recomendar su monitorización

INTRODUCTION: numerous studies support the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients at risk of thromboembolic disease (VTE) that require hospitalization. There is little evidence in the indications of thromboprophylaxis in the population of acute patients admitted to a Short Stay Unit. OBJECTIVES: to study the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients admitted to a Short Stay Unit of the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital. Clinical variables (development of a three-month VTE event) and biochemical (anti-Xa activity levels) were evaluated. METHODS: those patients with acute medical pathology with indication of thromboprophylaxis were included according to the PRETEMED guideline. The anti-Xa activity of each patient that met the inclusion criteria was determined. Cases of symptomatic VTE were identified, during hospital admission and later, in the three-month follow-up of the Emergency Department. RESULTS: a total of 100 patients were included. The most frequent predisposing VTE risk factors were age (80 % > 60 years and 66 % > 70 years), neoplasia (28 %), COPD (28 %) and obesity (29 %). The most frequent risk factors were the presence of an acute infection (58 %), immobility (33 %) and chemotherapy (17 %). According to the PRETEMED Guide, they were classified as low risk (0 %), medium (20 %) and high (80 %). In the 3 months of follow-up, 3 % of symptomatic VTE episodes were observed, none of these occurred during admission. 48 % of the patients were outside the range of anti-Xa thromboprophylactic activity. The factors associated with this situation were being a woman, treatment with enoxaparin 20mg a day and greater weight. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of thromboembolic complications in relation to anti-Xa activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary to stratify the risk of VTE in all patients, also in those admitted to short stay units and opens the need to evaluate the recommended thromboprophylaxis doses. We observed an absence of correlation between clinical and biochemical efficacy criteria with the usual thromboprophylaxis guidelines, and it is questionable to recommend their monitoring

Lung ultrasound in the frontline diagnosis of COVID-19 infection / Ecografía pulmonar en primera línea del diagnóstico de la infección por COVID-19

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¿Puedes llamar hiperfrecuentadores a los pacientes por su alta frecuentación? / Could we call frequent attenders to patients because of their high frequency of attendance?

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Community-Onset Bloodstream and Other Infections, Caused by Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Epidemiological, Microbiological, and Clinical Features.

Background. Because most infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) begin during hospitalization, there are limited data about community-onset (CO) infections caused by CPE. Our aim is to describe the frequency of CO infections caused by CPE as well as the clinical features of CO bloodstream infections (CO-BSIs). Methods. This study includes retrospective case series of CO infections caused by CPE in a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to July 2014. Any clinical sample with a positive culture for CPE that had been ordered by primary care doctors or by doctors at the emergency room (ER) were classified as CO. Epidemiological and microbiological features of CO cases were assessed as were clinical features of CO-BSIs. Results. Of 780 clinical samples with CPE, 180 were requested at the ER or by primary care doctors (22.9%), 150 of which were produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (83.3%). The blaOXA-48 gene was detected in 149 isolates (82.8%) followed by the blaVIM gene, 29 (16.1%). Sixty-one patients (33.9%) had a prior history of CPE infection/colonization. Thirty-four of the 119 (28.6%) patients without prior history of CPE infection/colonization did not fulfill Friedman criteria for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Considering previous hospitalization of up to 12 months as a criterion for defining HAI, only 16 (13.4%) cases were identified as community-acquired infections. The most frequent positive sample was urine (133 of 180; 73.9%). Twenty-one (11.7%) patients had a BSI, 9 of them secondary to urinary tract infections (42.9%). Thirty-day crude mortality among patients with BSI was 23.8% (5 of 21). Conclusions. Community-onset infections caused by CPE are an important subgroup of all CPE infections. The urinary tract is the main source. Bloodstream infections accounted for more than 10% of the cases.

A fast-track anaemia clinic in the Emergency Department: feasibility and efficacy of intravenous iron administration for treating sub-acute iron deficiency anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Clinically significant anaemia, requiring red blood cell transfusions, is frequently observed in Emergency Departments (ED). To optimise blood product use, we developed a clinical protocol for the management of iron-deficiency anaemia in a fast-track anaemia clinic within the ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2010 to January 2014, patients presenting with sub-acute, moderate-to-severe anaemia (haemoglobin [Hb] <11 g/dL) and confirmed or suspected iron deficiency were referred to the fast-track anaemia clinic. Those with absolute or functional iron deficiency were given intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose 500-1,000 mg/week and were reassessed 4 weeks after receiving the total iron dose. The primary study outcome was the haematological response (Hb≥12 g/dL and/or Hb increment ≥2 g/dL). Changes in blood and iron parameters, transfusion rates and IV iron-related adverse drug effects were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Two hundred and two anaemic patients with iron deficiency (150 women/52 men; mean age, 64 years) were managed in the fast-track anaemia clinic, and received a median IV iron dose of 1,500 mg (1,000-2,000 mg). Gastro-intestinal (44%) or gynaecological (26%) bleeding was the most frequent cause of the anaemia. At follow-up (183 patients), the mean Hb increment was 3.9±2.2 g/dL; 84% of patients were classified as responders and blood and iron parameters normalised in 90%. During follow-up, 35 (17%) patients needed transfusions (2 [range: 1-3] units per patient) because they had low Hb levels, symptoms of anaemia and/or were at risk. Eight mild and one moderate, self-limited adverse drug effects were witnessed. DISCUSSION: Our data support the feasibility of a clinical protocol for management of sub-acute anaemia with IV iron in the ED. IV iron was efficacious, safe and well tolerated. Early management of anaemia will improve the use of blood products in the ED.

Mortalidad en el traumatismo potencialmente grave atendido en un servicio de urgencias de tercer nivel. Evaluación de la escala pronóstico de mortalidad GAP / Mortality in patients with potentially severe trauma in a tertiary care hospital emergency department and evaluation of risk prediction with the GAP prognostic scale

Objetivo: Describir la mortalidad de los pacientes atendidos con traumatismos potencialmente graves (TPG) y la correlación de dicha mortalidad con la escala GAP (Glasgow coma scale, Age, and systolic bloob Pressure). Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo con inclusión de todos los pacientes atendidos en urgencias durante 15 meses con TPG. Se registraron variables epidemiológicas, mecanismo lesional, tipo de traslado, necesidad de intubación orotraqueal extrahospitalaria, consumo de tóxicos, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson (ICC), variables incluidas en la escala de GAP, el destino tras la asistencia en urgencias y al final del episodio y la mortalidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 864 pacientes. La mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes mayores [57,9 (26,6) vs 41,1 (17,4), p < 0,05] y con mayor puntuación en el ICC [3,3 (2,9) vs 0,9 (1,7)]. La precipitación fue el tipo de accidente con mayor mortalidad (p < 0,001). No hubo asociación entre tóxicos y mortalidad. En los fallecidos tuvieron menor puntuación enla escala del coma de Glasgow [9,1 (5,3) vs 14,8 (1,2), p < 0,001], como la presión arterial sistólica [113,8 (19,8) vs 131,3 (20,7) mmHg, p = 0,012] y la diastólica [60,1 (16,8) vs 77,7 (11,7) mmHg, p = 0,002]. La puntuación en la escala GAP fue menor en los fallecidos frente a los supervivientes [5,1 (4,8) vs 22,6 (1,7), p < 0,001]. En el análisis multivariantese mantuvieron significativos el ICC (OR: 0,704; IC 95%: 0,52-0,96) y la escala GAP (OR: 1,8; IC 95%: 1,45-2,20). Conclusiones: La mortalidad de nuestra serie de pacientes es baja en relación a lo publicado con anterioridad. El GAP es útil como escala pronóstica de mortalidad en nuestra cohorte de pacientes (AU)

Objective: To assess mortality in patients with potentially severe injuries and explore the correlation between mortality and the score on the GAP scale (Glasgow Coma Scale, age, and systolic blood pressure). Methods: Retrospective observational study of all patients with potentially severe injuries treated in an emergency department (ED) over a period of 15 months. We recorded epidemiologic variables, cause of injury, type of transport, need for prehospital orotracheal intubation, substance abuse, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), variables for the GAP prognostic score, destination on discharge from the ED and at the end of the episode, and mortality. Results: Data for 864 patients entered the final analysis. Mortality was higher in older patients (mean [SD] age, 57.9 [26.6] vs 41.1 [17.4], P< 05) and those with a higher mean CCI (3.3 [2.9] vs 0.9 [1.7]). Accident type was a precipitating factor associated with mortality (P< 001), but substance abuse was unrelated. Patients who died had lower mean Glasgow scores (9.1 [5.3] vs 14.8 [1.2], P< 001) and lower mean systolic and diastolic pressures (respectively, 113.8 [19.8] vs 131.3 [20.7] mm Hg, P=.012, and 60.1 [16.8] vs 77.7 [11.7] mm Hg, P=.002). Patients who died also had lower mean GAP scores than survivors (15.1 [4.8] vs 22.6 [1.7], P< 001). Risk factors that remained significant in the multivariate analysis were CCI (odds ratio [OR], 0.704; 95% CI, 0.52-0.96) and GAP score (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.45-2.20). Conclusions: Mortality in our patient series was lower than rates in previously published reports. The GAP score was a useful tool for predicting mortality in the series we studied (AU)