Comparative Impact of Hydroxychloride and Organic Sources of Manganese, Zinc, and Copper in Rearing Diets on Pullet Growth, Tibia Traits, Egg Production, and Eggshell Quality in Lohmann Brown Birds up to 50 Weeks of Age.

(1) Background: This study assessed the efficacy of hydroxychloride sources of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) compared with organic sources in the rearing diets of Lohmann brown pullets, focusing on pullet performance, tibia quality, egg production, and eggshell quality. (2) Methods: A total of 120 birds (six replications and 10 birds each) received diets with Mn, Zn, and Cu from organic or hydroxychloride sources during the rearing phase. After the onset of lay, birds were fed diets containing oxide/sulfate sources up to 50 weeks of age. (3) Results: no significant differences were observed in growth performance and tibia quality during the rearing phase (p > 0.05). From 18 to 24 weeks of age, no carryover effect on egg production performance was observed. However, from 25-50 weeks, pullets fed hydroxychloride sources showed lower feed intake and egg mass compared to the organic group (p < 0.05), whereas egg production and eggshell quality remained similar between groups (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential of hydroxychloride sources in rearing diets without compromising overall growth in the pullet phase and feed efficiency in the laying cycle.

Early estimates of nirsevimab immunoprophylaxis effectiveness against hospital admission for respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections in infants, Spain, October 2023 to January 2024.

The monoclonal antibody nirsevimab was at least 70% effective in preventing hospitalisations in infants with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Spain (Oct 2023-Jan 2024), where a universal immunisation programme began late September (coverage range: 79-99%). High protection was confirmed by two methodological designs (screening and test-negative) in a multicentre active surveillance in nine hospitals in three regions. No protection against RSV-negative LRTI-hospitalisations was shown. These interim results could guide public-health decision-making.

Application of bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess body composition of male and female broiler chickens from 2 different strains throughout the growth period.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed in males and females of 2 different broiler strains from 0 to 42 d of age to develop and validate equations to predict body composition (BC). A total of 528 birds, 132 birds per sex and strain (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) were used in the experiment. Birds were fed ad libitum following CVB recommendations with a common starter (0-14 d), grower (15-29 d), and finisher diet (30-42 d). Bioelectrical impedance analysis was measured weekly from 0 to 42 d. Birds were euthanized, frozen and ground for sample collection. Each sample was analyzed through proximate analysis for dry matter (DM), protein, fat, ash, and energy content. Water (%), protein and ash (% DM) decreased with age (77.5-67.5, 69.1-52.2, and 8.12-7.29, respectively; P < 0.0001); whereas fat (% DM) and energy (cal/g DM) increased with the age (20.7-36.4 and 5,421-6151, respectively; P < 0.0001). Males had significantly higher water (%) and protein (% DM) contents, and lower lipid (% DM) deposits than females (70.5, 55.5, and 32.6 vs. 69.6, 54.6, and 33.7, respectively; P < 0.0001). Cobb 500 had a higher fat and lower protein (% DM) and water (%) content than Ross (34.6, 54.0, and 69.7 vs. 31.7, 56.1, and 70.4, respectively; P < 0.0001). A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to select the equation model to predict BC using the relative mean prediction error (RMPE, %) to evaluate the accuracy. The coefficients of determination (R2) to estimate water (%), protein, fat, ash (% DM) and energy content (cal/g DM) were 0.909, 0.825, 0.795, 0.493, and 0.838, respectively, and the RMPE were 1.26, 3.46, 7.73, 8.85, and 1.86%, respectively. A t test analysis was run, observing no differences in any of the parameters under study between the analyzed and estimated values. Based on these results, we can conclude that BIA can be used as a valid non-invasive technique to estimate in vivo BC in broilers.

The impact of digestible lysine and sulfur amino acids on eggshell quality and egg weight control in old ISA brown hens during 62 to 74 wk.

Modifying dietary amino acids has been proposed as a strategy to improve eggshell quality by slowing down increases in egg weight (EW). This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of digestible lysine (dLYS) and ratios of digestible sulfur amino acids (dTSAA) to dLYS on performance and eggshell quality in ISA brown hens. A total of 288 hens were individually housed and assigned to 8 treatments, which combined 2 levels of dLYS (5.9 and 5.5 g/kg) with 4 ratios of dTSAA:dLYS (90, 85, 80, and 75) in a factorial arrangement. The study lasted 12 wk, starting at 62 wk of age. The number of eggs was not affected by the interaction between dLYS and dTSAA:dLYS or their main effect. However, the interaction between dLYS and dTSAA:dLYS showed that reducing the dTSAA:dLYS ratio from 85 to 75 when hens were fed 5.5 g/kg of dLYS resulted in a lower EW. Conversely, when hens were fed 5.9 g/kg of dLYS, no significant difference was found in EW among the different ratios of dTSAA:dLYS. Although there was no interaction between the levels of dLYS and dTSAA:dLYS on eggshell quality, reducing the dLYS level from 5.9 to 5.5 slowed down the deterioration in eggshell-breaking strength and eggshell thickness, regardless of the dTSAA:dLYS ratio. These findings suggest that adjusting dietary dLYS while maintaining the dTSAA:dLYS ratio of no less than 85 may be an effective strategy for decelerating the deterioration of eggshell quality in laying hen operations without impacting the egg production rate.

Evaluation of Fillers for Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) for the Encapsulation of Low and Intermediate Level Metallic Radioactive Wastes.

This study investigates the effect of coal fly ash (FA), wollastonite (WO), pumice (PM), and metakaolin (MK) as filler materials in the rheological, mechanical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of a magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC), designed for the encapsulation of low and intermediate level radioactive wastes containing reactive metals. Workability, compression strength, dimensional stability, pH, chemical composition, and mineralogical properties were studied in different pastes and mortars of MKPC with a fixed molar ratio of MgO/KH2PO4 = 1. No new mineral phases were found with the addition of the fillers, denoting their low chemical impact on the MKPC system. Moreover, all formulations with a water/cement mass ratio of <0.65 presented compressive strengths higher than 30 MPa after 90 days, and pH values lower than 8.5, corresponding to the passivation zone of aluminum corrosion.

Application of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to Assess Carcass Composition and Nutrient Retention in Rabbits from 25 to 77 Days of Age.

The aim of this study was to assess and validate, using independent data, the prediction equations obtained to estimate in vivo carcass composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine the nutrient retention and overall energy and nitrogen retention efficiencies of growing rabbits. Seventy-five rabbits grouped into five different ages (25, 35, 49, 63 and 77 days) were used in the study. A four-terminal body-composition analyzer was applied to obtain resistance (Rs, Ω) and reactance (Xc, Ω) values. All the animals were stunned and bled at each selected age, and the chilled carcasses were analyzed to determine water, fat, crude protein (CP), ash and gross energy (GE). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the equations, using body weight, length and impedance data as independent variables. The coefficients of determination (R2) to estimate the content of water, protein, fat and ash in grams, and energy in Mega Jules(MJ), were: 0.99, 0.99, 0.95, 0.96 and 0.98, respectively, and the relative mean prediction errors (RMPE) were: 4.20, 5.48, 21.9, 9.10 and 6.77%, respectively. Carcass yield (%) estimation had values of 0.50 and 10.0 for R2 and RMPE, respectively. When water content was expressed as a percentage, the R2 and RMPE were 0.79 and 1.62%, respectively. When the protein, fat and ash were expressed as a percentage of dry matter (%DM) and the energy content as kJ/100 g DM, the R2 values were 0.68, 0.76, 0.66 and 0.82, respectively, and the RMPEs were 3.22, 10.5, 5.82 and 2.54%, respectively. Energy Retention Efficiency was 20.4 ± 7.29%, 21.0 ± 4.18% and 20.8 ± 2.79% from 35 to 49, from 49 to 63 and from 35 to 63 d, respectively. Nitrogen Retention Efficiency was 46.9 ± 11.7%, 34.5 ± 7.32% and 39.1 ± 3.23% for the same periods. Energy was retained in body tissues for growth with an efficiency of approximately 52.5%, and the energy efficiency for protein and fat retention was 33.3 and 69.9%, respectively. This work shows that BIA is a non-invasive and good method to estimate in vivo carcass composition and to determine the nutrient retention of growing rabbits from 25 to 77 days of age.

Hydroxychloride trace minerals have a positive effect on growth performance, carcass quality and impact ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to study the effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals (HTM) on growth performance, carcass quality and gut microbiota of broiler chickens in comparison to sulphate trace minerals (STM). In total 1440 male Ross 308 day-old chicks were divided into 12 replicate pens with 30 birds each per treatment. Four different treatments were tested according to a 2 × 2 factorial study design, where the animals received a three phase diet containing either inorganic Zn from sulphates or Zn from HTM in high (80 mg/kg Zn) or low Zn dosage (20 mg/kg Zn). In all treatments 15 mg/kg Cu was added from the same mineral source as the Zn. Body weight and feed intake were measured on day 0, 10, 27 and 34, while carcass and breast meat yields were measured at the end of the study (day 34). In addition, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in digesta samples from ileum and cecum to study the gut microbiome (day 34). RESULTS: The results showed an improved (P < 0.05) body weight of broiler chickens fed HTM, regardless of Zn level, on day 27, while on day 34 this effect remained as a tendency (P = 0.0542). In the overall study period, birds fed HTM had a higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to birds fed STM. The mineral source did not affect the carcass characteristics, however, feeding 80 mg/kg Zn resulted in a significantly higher (P = 0.0171) breast meat yield, regardless of source. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota revealed a higher microbial diversity in the ileum and cecum of HTM fed birds compared to STM fed birds. Taxonomical differences were mainly found in the cecum, specifically between the group fed high and low Zn levels from HTM. This correlated with the mineral contents observed in the cecal digesta. Comparing both groups fed 80 mg/kg Zn, the HTM group had more Streptococcaceae, Streptococcus, Clostridia, Weissella and Leuconostocaceae compared to the STM group. CONCLUSIONS: HTM improved growth performance of broiler chickens; and the source and level of Zn modulated the gut microbiota communities in broilers differentially.

Relationship between Bone Quality, Egg Production and Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens at the End of an Extended Production Cycle (105 Weeks).

(1) Background: Nowadays the industry aims to improve lay persistency for extended cycles (100 weeks or longer) to make egg production more sustainable. However, intensive egg production challenges hen health, inducing severe osteoporosis and the incidence of bone fractures. In this study, the relationship between bone quality and egg production, and/or eggshell quality, was evaluated at the end of an extended laying cycle of 100 weeks, comparing groups of hens with different production and eggshell quality parameters; (2) Methods: Quality parameters of egg (as weight, egg white height), eggshell (as thickness, weight, breaking strength, elasticity and microstructure) and tibiae bone (weight, diameter, cortical thickness, ash weight, breaking strength, medullary bone) were determined; (3) Results: Hens from groups with a high egg production and good eggshell quality have poorer bone quality (lower ash weight and lesser amount of medullary bone). However, Pearson's correlation analysis shows no clear relationship between bone and egg/eggshell parameters. (4) Conclusions: Bone and egg production/eggshell quality are independent and can be improved separately. Medullary bone has an important contribution to bone mechanical properties, being important to accumulate enough bone medullary bone early in life to maintain skeletal integrity and eggshell quality in old hens.

Mortality in Perinatally HIV-infected Adolescents After Transition to Adult Care in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: After the introduction of combination antiretroviral treatment, (ART) mortality in HIV-infected patients has dramatically decreased. However, it is still high in patients at risk, as adolescents transitioning to adult care (AC) without virologic control. The aim of this study was to characterize mortality and comorbidities of perinatally infected HIV (PHIV) patients after transition to AC. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study from patients included in the CoRISpe-FARO Spanish cohort was conducted. PHIV patients who died after transition to AC between 2009 and 2019 were included. Clinical, immunovirologic characteristics, treatments received, comorbidities and causes of death were described. RESULTS: Among 401 PHIV patients, 14 died (3.5%). All were Spanish, 11/14 (78.6%) women. The median age at diagnosis was 1.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.5-3.9), at transfer to AC was 18 years [16.1-19.9] and at death was 25.8 years [23.6-27.1]. In pediatric units [pediatric care (PC)], CD4+ nadir was 85 cells/µL [IQR 9.7-248.5] and 6/14 patients were classified as C-clinical stage. During AC, all patients were on C-clinical stage and CD4+ nadir dropped to 11.5 cells/µL [4.5-43.3]. cART adherence was extremely poor: in PC, 8/14 patients registered voluntary treatment interruptions; only one had undetectable VL at transition. In AC, 12/14 patients stopped treatment 2 or more periods of time. All deaths were related to advanced HIV disease. Mental health disorders were observed in 7/14 (50%). Main complications described: recurrent bacterial infections (57.1%), wasting syndrome (42.9%), esophageal candidiasis (28.6%) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (28.6%). Four women had 11 pregnancies; 5 children were born (none infected). CONCLUSIONS: Young adults PHIV infected who transition to AC without virologic suppression or proven ability to adhere to ART are at high risk of mortality. Mortality was noted as a consequence of advanced HIV disease, frequent mental health problems and poor adherence to ART.

Fentanilo transmucoso y dolor irruptivo: la otra cara de la moneda / Transmucosal fentanyl and breakthrough pain: The other side of the coin

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Prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling elderly persons in Spain and factors associated with it.

Background: For effective prevention and intervention, and reduction of dependency, it is essential to determine the presence of frailty in the community.Objectives: To describe the prevalence of frailty among elderly persons living independently, in two primary healthcare areas in Spain; to identify factors correlated with its presence.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2015 and July 2016 among non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥70 years living in the primary healthcare areas of Gipuzkoa and Costa del Sol (Spain). The main outcome variable was the prevalence of frailty (determined by modified Fried criteria). The independent study variables were sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric data and health-related life habits.Results: The study population consisted of 855 individuals (53% women). The overall prevalence of frailty was 26.2% (Gipuzkoa 14.2%, Costa del Sol 38.0%). Using multiple logistic regression, the following factors were associated with frailty: female sex (OR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.37-2.86); cumulative illness rating scale (OR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.00-1.10); self-perceived health status (OR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.95-0.97); self-perceived unhealthy lifestyle (OR: 3.37; 95%CI: 2.05-8.87); dissatisfaction with the domestic environment (OR: 2.11; 95%CI: 1.18-3.76); and cognitive impairment (OR: 4.10; 95%CI: 2.05-8.19). In the multivariable model, 'geographical area' differences persisted, with an OR of 3.51 (95%CI: 2.29-5.36) for the Costa del Sol area, using Gipuzkoa as reference.Conclusion: In this population of community-dwelling persons aged 70 years and over, the prevalence of frailty was 26%. Factors correlated with frailty were female sex, comorbidity, poorer self-perceived lifestyle and health status, and dissatisfaction with the domestic environment.

Uso problemático de los analgésicos opioides de prescripción: clasificación y tratamientos eficaces / Problematic use of prescription opioid drugs: Classification and effective treatments

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Calidad de vida y enfermedad renal crónica avanzada. Influencia del aclaramiento renal / Quality of life and advanced chronic kidney disease. Influence of renal clearance

Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud en pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada en prediálisis y su relación con el aclaramiento renal. Material y Método: Se estudiaron 124 pacientes en prediálisis y edad de 67,2±14,3 años (45% mujeres). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, en el Servicio de Nefrología de Hospital Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Se utilizó el cuestionario KDQOL-SF, para el análisis de la Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud. También se analizó el aclaramiento renal y la comorbilidad asociada. Resultados: En el KDQOL, las dimensiones más afectadas fueron: Situación Laboral, Carga de la Enfermedad Renal y Sueño. Las mujeres presentaron peor puntuación en Listado de Síntomas/problemas. En las dimensiones del SF-36, Salud General, Vitalidad, Función Física y Rol Físico, fueron las más afectadas. Las mujeres obtuvieron peor puntuación en Salud General, Vitalidad, Rol Físico, Dolor y Rol Emocional. Los pacientes con menor aclaramiento renal presentaron peores puntuaciones en Efectos de la Enfermedad Renal, Carga de la Enfermedad Renal y Función Sexual; y en Rol Físico y Salud General. Conclusiones: Los pacientes en prediálisis tienen disminuida su calidad de vida en las dimensiones Carga de la enfermedad renal, Sueño, Salud general, Vitalidad, Función física y Rol físico. El aclaramiento renal, aunque influye directamente en los síntomas derivados de la enfermedad renal, no parece ser tan influyente en la calidad de vida, siendo el sexo femenino, la edad y la comorbilidad asociada, las variables que más se asocian con peor calidad de vida

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the Health-Related Quality of Life in patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in pre-dialysis and the relationship with renal clearance. Material and Method: We studied 124 patients with ACKD in pre-dialysis and age of 67.2±14.3 years (56 women, 45%). A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Nephrology Service of the Reina Sofía Hospital in Cordoba. The KDQOL-SF questionnaire was used to analyse the Health-Related Quality of Life. The renal clearance and associated comorbidity were also analysed. Results: In the KDQOL, the most affected dimensions were: work situation, burden of kidney disease and sleep. Women presented worse score in list of symptoms / problems. In the dimensions of SF-36, General health, Vitality, Physical function and Physical role were the most affected. Women rated worse scores, significantly, in: General health, Vitality, Physical role, Pain and Emotional role. Patients with lower renal clearance presented worse scores in Effects of kidney disease, burden of kidney disease and sexual function; and in Physical Role and General Health. Conclusion: Patients in pre-dialysis have reduced their Health-Related Quality of Life in dimensions Burden of kidney disease, Sleep, General health, Vitality, Physical function and Physical role. Renal clearance, although directly influence the symptoms derived from kidney disease, does not seem to be so decisive in quality of life, being the female sex, age and associated comorbidity, the variables most associated with poorer quality of life

Análisis de la sobrecarga del cuidador del paciente en diálisis / Analysis of caregiver burden on dialysis patient

Objetivo: Revisar la literatura científica existente sobre la sobrecarga del cuidador principal del paciente en diálisis. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Proquest, Scopus y Google Académico. Se incluyeron artículos científicos escritos en inglés y español. Se analizaron los artículos que trataban sobre la sobrecarga de los cuidadores principales, excluyendo aquellos artículos que no presentaran resultados y aquellos donde los pacientes no estaban sometidos a diálisis. Resultados: Se incluyeron 19 artículos publicados entre 2010 y 2018. La sobrecarga aparece en la mayoría de los cuidadores, en mayor o menor grado. La mayoría de los cuidadores son mujeres con una edad entre 40 y 70 años, hijas/os o esposas/os y una mayoría con estudios primarios o sin estudios. Las variables más influyentes en la aparición de la sobrecarga del cuidador del paciente en diálisis son: mayor dependencia del paciente, mayor supervivencia del mismo en el tratamiento dialítico y tener menor apoyo social. También presentan mayor sobrecarga las cuidadoras hijas de los pacientes, las cuidadoras/es solteras/os, las cuidadoras jóvenes o mayores. Conclusiones: La sobrecarga está presente en la mayoría de cuidadores del paciente en diálisis, predominando los grados moderado y leve de sobrecarga. El cuidador principal suele ser mujer, de mediana edad, con un parentesco de hijas/os o esposas/os. Mayor dependencia y supervivencia del paciente en diálisis y menor apoyo social parecen ser las variables más influyentes en la aparición de sobrecarga. La técnica dialítica no parece influir en la sobrecarga del cuidador del paciente en diálisis

Objective: To know current scientific production about dialysis patients’s caregiver burden. Method: A search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Proquest, Scopus and Google Scholar. Scientific articles written in English and Spanish were included. Articles that dealt with burden of caregivers were analysed, excluding those articles that did not present results and those in which the patients were not subjected to dialysis. Results: We included 19 articles published between 2010 and 2018. Overload appears in most of the caregivers, to a greater or lesser degree. The majority of the caregivers are women between 40 and 70 years of age, daughters or wives and a majority with primary education or without education. The most influential variables in the appearance of overload of the dialysis patient’s caregiver are: greater dependence on the patient, greater survival of the patient in the dialysis treatment and having less social support. Daughters caregivers, single caregivers, young or older caregivers present greater overload. Conclusions: Most dialysis patient’s caregivers suffer burden, prevailing moderate and mild degrees of burden. The main caregiver’s profile is a middle-aged woman, who is related as daughter/son or wife/husband. The most influential variables leading to this caregivers’ burden to appear are: greater dependence and survival of the patient with dialysis and a lower social support. Dialysis treatment does not seem to affect in the burden of the dialysis patient’s caregiver

Relación entre el optimismo disposicional y los síntomas somáticos en pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica / Relationship between dispositional optimism and somatic symptoms in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación existente entre el optimismo disposicional y el apoyo social, con los síntomas somáticos en un grupo de pacientes en hemodiálisis. Pacientes y Método: Se estudiaron 80 pacientes en hemodiálisis, con una edad de 65,20±16,47 años (36,3% mujeres). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, en el Servicio de Nefrología de Hospital Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Se estudió el Optimismo Disposicional (cuestionario LOT-R), el Apoyo Social (cuestionario Duke-UNC), los síntomas (Escala de Síntomas Somáticos Revisada) y la comorbilidad asociada. Resultados: La media del LOT-R fue 21,19±5,04 puntos y la mediana 21 (8-30). Se utilizó la mediana del LOT-R para dividir a los pacientes en Pesimistas Disposicionales (<21) y Optimistas Disposicionales (≥21). Aunque edad y comorbilidad fueron más altas en el grupo Optimista, las diferencias no fueron significativas. Los Optimistas presentaron menos síntomas que los Pesimistas, aunque sin diferencias significativas. Los pacientes con Apoyo Social más bajo presentaron más síntomas, aunque sin diferencias significativas. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en el Apoyo Social recibido entre Optimistas frente a los Pesimistas. Las mujeres presentaron más síntomas gastrointestinales y músculoesqueléticos. La edad se correlacionó estadísticamente con la comorbilidad. Conclusiones: Al menos en nuestra muestra, en los pacientes en hemodiálisis, ni el Optimismo Disposicional ni el Apoyo Social parecen influir en la aparición de síntomas somáticos, ni tampoco el Apoyo Social tiene influencia en el Optimismo Disposicional. Las mujeres presentan más síntomas gastrointestinales y músculoesqueléticos que los hombres. A más edad más comorbilidad asociada

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between dispositional optimism and social support with somatic symptoms in a group of patients on hemodialysis. Patients and Method: We studied 80 patients on hemodialysis, with an average age of 65.20 ± 16.47 years (36.3% women and 63.7% men). A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Nephrology Service of the Reina Sofía Hospital in Córdoba. The LOT-R questionnaire for Dispositional Optimism and the Revised Somatic Symptoms Scale were used. Social Support and associated comorbidity were also analyzed. Results: The mean LOT-R was 21.19±5.04 and the median 21 (8-30). The median LOT-R was used to divide patients between pessimists (<21) and optimists (≥21). Although age and comorbidity were higher in the optimistic group, not being significant differences. Although optimists presented fewer symptoms than pessimists, there were no significant differences. Similarly, although patients with lower Social Support presented more symptoms, also without significant differences. When the Social Support of the optimists was compared with the pessimists, no differences were found. Statistical relationship of age was found with comorbidity and cardiovascular symptoms. Conclusions: At least in our sample, in hemodialysis patients, neither Dispositional Optimism nor Social Support seem to influence the appearance of somatic symptoms, nor does Social Support influences Dispositional Optimism. Women have more gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms than men. The older, the more associated comorbidity