Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis management in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis (TB) patients is unknown. METHODS: Participating centres completed a structured web-based survey regarding changes to TB patient management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also included data from participating centres on patients aged ≥18 diagnosed with TB in 2 periods: March 15 to June 30, 2020 and March 15 to June 30, 2019. Clinical variables and information about patient household contacts were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 7 (70%) TB units reported changes in their usual TB team operations. Across both periods of study, 169 patients were diagnosed with active TB (90 in 2019, 79 in 2020). Patients diagnosed in 2020 showed more frequent bilateral lesions in chest X-ray than patients diagnosed in 2019 (P = 0.004). There was a higher percentage of latent TB infection and active TB among children in households of patients diagnosed in 2020, compared with 2019 (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial changes in TB care. TB patients diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic showed more extended pulmonary forms. The increase in latent TB infection and active TB in children of patient households could reflect increased household transmission due to anti-COVID-19 measures.

Stereological quantification of extraocular muscles in humans / Cuantificación estereológica de músculos extraoculares en humanos

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to quantify muscular and connective tissue volumes of extraocular muscles (EOM) in humans with no ophthalmological disease using stereology. EOM from five cadaveric non-strabismic humans were obtained. The number of muscle fibers in 5,000 µm2 and volume density (Vv) of muscle and collagen were measured using stereology. Comparisons between antagonist EOM were conducted using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples. A secondary analysis examining differences between pairs of EOM was also conducted. Bilateral tests were performed, and significance was set at 0.05. The horizontal rectus muscles (medial and lateral rectus) had the highest Vv of muscle and the lowest Vv of collagen. The inferior rectus muscle tended to have a fewer number of fibers per 5,000 µm2 than the rest of the EOM. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. This is the first published study describing the normal histology of human EOM using stereology. Our investigation, through the quantification of the proportion of muscle and collagen tissue, as well as the number of muscle fibers in 5,000 µ2, establishes normal stereological parameters for EOM of humans without ophthalmological disease.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio es cuantificar el volumen de tejido muscular y conectivo de los músculos extraoculares en humanos sin enfermedad oftalmológica conocida utilizando estereología. Los músculos extraoculares fueron obtenidos de cinco cadáveres humanos sin estrabismo. El número de fibras musculares en 5.000 µm2 y la densidad de volumen (Vv) de músculo y colágeno fueron medidas usando estereología. Las comparaciones entre músculos extraoculares antagonistas se realizaron a través de la prueba de los rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para muestras pareadas. Un análisis secundario examinando diferencias entre pares de músculos extraoculares también fue llevado a cabo. Se realizaron pruebas bilaterales y la significancia fue fijada en 0,05. Los músculos rectos horizontales (recto medial y lateral) tuvieron el mayor Vv de músculo y el menor Vv de colágeno. El músculo recto inferior tuvo la tendencia a poseer menos número de fibras por 5.000 µm2 que el resto de los músculos extraoculares. No obstante, estas diferencias no llegaron a ser estadísticamente significativas. Este es el primer estudio publicado describiendo la histología normal de los músculos extraoculares usando estereología. Nuestra investigación, a través de la cuantificación de la proporción de tejido de músculo y colágeno, así como el número de fibras musculares en µm2, establece parámetros estereológicos normales para músculos extraoculares en humanos sin enfermedad oftalmológica.

Interleukin-2 as a marker for detecting asymptomatic individuals in areas where Leishmania infantum is endemic.

No field method exists for identifying asymptomatic individuals in areas where Leishmania infantum is endemic. This work reports that, 24 h after stimulating whole blood with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA), plasma interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) become significantly elevated in samples from asymptomatic individuals (n=47) compared with those from negative controls (n=50), all of them recruited from a blood bank. When compared with the reference test SLA-lymphoproliferative assay, IL-2 appears as a new, 100% sensitive and specific marker for asymptomatic individuals with a positive cellular response (compared with 100% and 84.78%, respectively, for IFN-γ). Further studies in other transmission areas and in other cohorts of exposed people need to be performed to confirm these results. Once validated, IFN-γ and IL-2 levels in SLA-stimulated whole blood could be reliably used in the field to estimate the prevalence of those asymptomatic individuals with Leishmania-specific cellular immune responses.

Atypical presentation in adults in the largest community outbreak of leishmaniasis in Europe (Fuenlabrada, Spain).

Since 2009, the largest reported outbreak of leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum in Europe was reported in Fuenlabrada, Spain. In our hospital, 90 adults with localized leishmanial lymphadenopathy (LLL) or visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were treated during this outbreak; 72% were men, and the mean age was 46.2 years (range 15-95 years). A total of 17 cases (19%) were LLL, an atypical form with isolated lymphadenopathies without other symptoms. All LLL cases occurred in immunocompetent subjects, and only one subject (6%) was a native of sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnosis was performed by fine needle aspiration cytology of the lymphadenopathy. Serology was negative in 38%. LLL outcomes at 6 months were benign, even with doses of liposomal amphotericin B that were often lower (10 mg/kg) than those recommended for VL in Mediterranean areas. A total of 73 subjects (81%) presented with typical VL; 66% of this group were immunocompetent, and 50% of those who were immunocompetent were descendants of natives of sub-Saharan Africa. The rK39 test and polymerase chain reaction were the most useful tests for confirmation of the diagnosis. An initial response to treatment was observed in 99% of cases, and relapses occurred in 14% of cases. Leishmaniasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of isolated lymphadenopathies in endemic areas. LLL could be considered a more benign entity, one different than VL, and less aggressive management should be studied in future investigations.

[Management of difficult airway with inhalation induction in a patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and neck injury]. / Manejo de vía aérea difícil con inducción inhalatoria en paciente con síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut y traumatismo cervical.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a childhood epileptic encephalopathy, and is characterized by frequent and difficult to treat seizures associated with mental retardation. The case is presented of a 21 year-old male with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, with bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation fracture at C6-C7 and spinal canal compression as a result of a fall during a seizure. In this case the management of the difficult airway expected in an awake and uncooperative patient, with cervical spinal cord injury is described. An airway management strategy was proposed, that allowed a rapid and safe airway control with the best possible tolerance and maintaining the neck immobilised, so as not to increase neurological injury. Within this strategy, plan A was defined as inhalation induction with sevoflurane to maintain spontaneous breathing and tracheal intubation with Airtraq®. We believe that the Airtraq® video laryngoscope with inhalational induction with sevoflurane is a valid and effective alternative in the management of expected difficult airway.

Non-invasive 3D time-of-flight imaging technique for tumour volume assessment in subcutaneous models.

Subcutaneous tumour xenograft volumes are generally measured using callipers. This method is susceptible to inter- and intra-observer variability and systematic inaccuracies. Non-invasive 3D measurement using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been considered, but require immobilization of the animal. An infrared-based 3D time-of-flight (3DToF) camera was used to acquire a depth map of tumour-bearing mice. A semi-automatic algorithm based on parametric surfaces was applied to estimate tumour volume. Four clay mouse models and 18 tumour-bearing mice were assessed using callipers (applying both prolate spheroid and ellipsoid models) and 3DToF methods, and validated using tumour weight. Inter-experimentalist variability could be up to 25% in the calliper method. Experimental results demonstrated good consistency and relatively low error rates for the 3DToF method, in contrast to biased overestimation using callipers. Accuracy is currently limited by camera performance; however, we anticipate the next generation 3DToF cameras will be able to support the development of a practical system. Here, we describe an initial proof of concept for a non-invasive, non-immobilized, morphology-independent, economical and potentially more precise tumour volume assessment technique. This affordable technique should maximize the datapoints per animal, by reducing the numbers required in experiments and reduce their distress.

Reviewing the development, evidence base, and application of the revised dengue case classification.

With the example of dengue, an evidence-based approach to prospectively develop a case classification is described, gathering evidence for identifying strength and weaknesses of the existing model, collecting new data describing the disease as it occurs globally, further developing a new model that can be applied in practice and field testing the newly developed model in comparison to the previous model. For each step in this process, the highest available level of evidence has been applied. This process has been initiated by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and WHO's Department for Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), developing the following for dengue. Since the early 1970s, dengue has been classified into dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever grades I and II and dengue shock syndrome grades III and IV (DF/DHF/DSS). However, in recent years, a growing number of dengue clinicians have questioned the shortcomings of this scheme. The issues have revolved around the complexity of confirming DHF in clinical practice, misclassifying severe cases as DF, and the emphasis on haemorrhage rather than plasma leakage as the underlying problem in most severe dengue cases. Step 1: A systematic literature review highlighted the shortcomings of the DF/DHF/DSS scheme: (1) difficulties in applying the criteria for DHF/DSS; (2) the tourniquet test has a low sensitivity for distinguishing between DHF and DF; and (3) most DHF criteria had a large variability in frequency of occurrence. Step 2: An analysis of regional and national dengue guidelines and their application in the clinical practice showed a need to re-evaluate and standardize guidelines as the actual ones showed a large variation of definitions, an inconsistent application by medical staff, and a lack of diagnostic facilities necessary for the DHF diagnosis in frontline services. Step 3: A prospective cohort study in seven countries, confirmed the difficulties in applying the DF/DHF/DSS criteria even in tertiary care hospitals, that DF/DHF/DSS do not represent levels of disease severity and that a clear distinction between severe dengue (defined by plasma leakage and/or severe haemorrhage, and/or organ failure) and (non-severe) dengue can be made using highly sensitive and specific criteria. In contrast, the sub-grouping of (non-severe) dengue into two further severity levels was only possible with criteria that gave approximately 70% sensitivity and specificity. Step 4: Three regional expert consensus groups in the Americas and Asia concluded that 'dengue is one disease entity with different clinical presentations and often with unpredictable clinical evolution and outcome' and that, revising the results of Step 3, DF/DHF/DSS is not related to disease severity. Step 5: In a global expert consensus meeting at WHO in Geneva/Switzerland the evidence collected in Steps 1-4 was reviewed and a revised scheme was developed and accepted, distinguishing: dengue with or without warning signs and severe dengue; the further field testing and acquisition of further prospective evidence of the revised scheme was recommended. Step 6: In 18 countries, the usefulness and applicability of the revised classification compared to the DF/DHF/DSS scheme were tested showing clear results in favour of the revised classification. Step 7: Studies are under way on the predictive value of warning signs for severe dengue and on criteria for the clinical diagnosis of dengue which will complete the evidence foundation of the revised classification. The analysis has shown that the revised dengue case classification is better able to standardize clinical management, raise awareness about unnecessary interventions, match patient categories with specific treatment instructions, and make the key messages of patient management understandable for all health care staff dealing with dengue patients. Furthermore, the evidence-based approach to develop prospectively the dengue case classification could be a model approach for other disease classifications.

Treatment with denosumab reduces the incidence of new vertebral and hip fractures in postmenopausal women at high risk.

CONTEXT: The FREEDOM (Fracture REduction Evaluation of Denosumab in Osteoporosis every 6 Months) trial showed denosumab significantly reduced the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of denosumab on the incidence of new vertebral and hip fractures in subgroups of women at higher risk for these fractures. DESIGN: FREEDOM was a 3-yr, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Postmenopausal women (N = 7808) with osteoporosis were enrolled at 213 study sites worldwide. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects received s.c. denosumab (60 mg) or placebo every 6 months and daily supplements of calcium (≥1000 mg) and vitamin D (≥400 IU). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This post hoc analysis evaluated fracture incidence in women with known risk factors for fractures including multiple and/or moderate or severe prevalent vertebral fractures, aged 75 yr or older, and/or femoral neck bone mineral density T-score of -2.5 or less. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, denosumab significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures in women with multiple and/or severe prevalent vertebral fractures (16.6% placebo vs. 7.5% denosumab; P < 0.001). Similarly, denosumab significantly reduced the risk of hip fractures in subjects aged 75 yr or older (2.3% placebo vs. 0.9% denosumab; P < 0.01) or with a baseline femoral neck bone mineral density T-score of -2.5 or less (2.8% placebo vs. 1.4% denosumab; P = 0.02). These risk reductions in higher-risk individuals were consistent with those seen in patients at lower risk of fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab reduced the incidence of new vertebral and hip fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at higher risk for fracture. These results highlight the consistent antifracture efficacy of denosumab in patients with varying degrees of fracture risk.

Effect of raloxifene after recombinant teriparatide [hPTH(1-34)] treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: Loss of bone mineral density occurs after discontinuation of teriparatide, if no subsequent treatment is given. Sequential raloxifene prevented rapid bone loss at lumbar spine and further increased bone mineral density (BMD) at femoral neck, whether raloxifene was started immediately or after a one-year delay following teriparatide treatment. INTRODUCTION: We compared the sequential effects of raloxifene treatment with a placebo on teriparatide-induced increases in bone mineral density (BMD). A year of open-label raloxifene extended the study to assess the response with and without delay after discontinuation of teriparatide. METHODS: Following a year of open-label teriparatide 20 mug/day treatment, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomly assigned to raloxifene 60 mg/day (n = 157) or a placebo (n = 172) for year 2, followed by a year of open-label raloxifene. BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The raloxifene and placebo groups showed a decrease in lumbar spine (LS) BMD in year 2 for raloxifene and placebo groups (-1.0 +/- 0.3%, P = 0.004; and -4.0 +/- 0.3%, P < 0.001, respectively); the decrease was less with raloxifene (P < 0.001). Open-label raloxifene treatment reversed the LS BMD decrease with a placebo, resulting in similar decreases 2 years after randomization (-2.6 +/- 0.4% (raloxifene-raloxifene) and -2.7 +/- 0.4% (placebo-placebo). At study end, LS and femoral neck (FN) BMD were higher than pre-teriparatide levels, with no significant differences between the raloxifene-raloxifene and placebo-raloxifene groups, respectively (LS: 6.1 +/- 0.5% vs. 5.1 +/- 0.5%; FN: 3.4 +/- 0.6% vs. 3.0 +/- 0.5%). CONCLUSION: Sequential raloxifene prevented rapid bone loss at the LS and increased FN BMD whether raloxifene was started immediately or after a one-year delay following teriparatide treatment.

Severity of vertebral fracture reflects deterioration of bone microarchitecture.

INTRODUCTION: Bone microarchitecture, a component of bone strength, is generally measured on transiliac bone biopsy samples. The objective of this study was to determine whether assessment of four grades of vertebral fracture severity could serve as a noninvasive surrogate marker for trabecular bone volume and microarchitecture. METHODS: Baseline vertebral fracture severity was determined by semiquantitative assessment of spine radiographs from 190 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Bone-structure indices were obtained by 2D histomorphometry and 3D microcomputed tomography (CT) analyses. Significance of differences was determined after adjusting for age, height, and lumbar spine bone mineral density. RESULTS: There were significant (P < 0.05) trends in decreasing bone volume, trabecular number, and connectivity, and increasing trabecular separation with greater vertebral fracture severity. Histomorphometric bone volume was 25 and 36% lower (P < 0.05) in women with moderate and severe fractures than in women with no fractures, respectively. Compared with women without fractures, women with mild, moderate, and severe fractures had lower (P < 0.05) microCT bone volume (23, 30, and 51%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Microarchitectural deterioration was progressively worse in women with increasing severity of vertebral fractures. We conclude that assessment of vertebral fracture severity is an important clinical tool to evaluate the severity of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Las aguas minero-medicinales del Pozo de la Salud. El Hierro, Islas Canarias / No disponible

Debido a que las Aguas del Pozo de la Salud, en la Isla de El Hierro, son las primeras aguas minerales canarias que fueron declaradas Minero-Medicinales en 1843 y que son las responsables del único balneario activo, actualmente, de las Islas Canarias. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: Realizar un resumen histórico farmacológico terapéutico de dichas aguas, su clasificación histórica como aguas minero-medicinales, estudio analítico y constancia diacrónica de las mismas. Fueron estudiadas las características farmacológicas y terapéuticas de la aguas Minero-Medicinales del Pozo de la Salud, encontrándose interesantes aportaciones de diferentes investigadores durante los siglos XIX y XX. La clasificación histórica de las Aguas del Pozo de la Salud también fue investigada, destacando que son aguas clorurado-sódicas con abundante magnesio y bicarbonato y la presencia del componente azufrado. Estos componentes dan lugar a que dichas aguas estén indicadas en: estados de estrés, artrosis, lumbalgias, eccemas, acné, psoriasis, etc, cuando son administradas en forma de balneación o estreñimiento y digestiones lentas cuando son administradas por vía hidropínica. Por las determinaciones físico-químicas a través delos análisis realizados se puede concluir que son aguas clorurado-sódicas–bicarbonatadas sulfatado-magnésicas. Que son aguas equilibradas y que presentan constancia diacrónica en sus parámetros físico-químicos y componentes químicos (AU)

Due to the fact that the waters from “Pozo la Salud”, in El Hierro Island, have been the first mineral waters of the Canary Islands with declaration of Mineral-Medicinal in 1843 and that, at present, constitute the only one active service health resort in the Canary Islands, the aims of this study are: To carry out a historical-pharmacological-therapeutic summary of mineral-waters from Pozo la Salud; their historical classification as mineral-medicinal waters; an analytical study and a diachronic stability of their ions. The pharmacological and therapeutically characteristics of Mineral Medicinal waters from “Pozo de la Salud” has been studied. Interesting contributions from several research workers of XIX and XX century have been obtained. The historical classification emphasizes that the waters from “Pozo la Salud” are chlrorided sodic mineral waters with abundant magnesium and bicarbonate, and also with appreciable concentrations of sulphur. These components involved the following clinical indications: status of stress, arthrosis, lumbago, eczema, acne, psoriasis, etc, when they have been administered by topic via of balneotherapic manner or constipation, and gastrointestinal disorders when they have been administered by hydropinic via. In conclusion, the mineral waters from “Pozo la Salud” are chlrorided–sodic-bicarbonated-sulphated-magnesic waters, with ionic balance and diachronic stability of their ions (AU)

Importancia para la salud de las aguas minerales magnésicas. Aguas minerales de Firgas (Islas Canarias) / Magnesic mineral waters: important health issues. Mineral waters of Firgas

Las aguas minerales magnésicas, generalmente, por su composición, pertenecen al grupo de aguas bicarbonatado-cálcico-magnésicas. Cuando son administradas por vía oral presentan efecto diurético, antilitiásico, poseen acción digestiva, ligeramente laxante y hepatoprotectora, también ayudan a regular la tensión arterial y poseen actividad cardioprotectora. Por lo tanto, se revisan las acciones farmacológicas e indicaciones terapéuticas de las aguas minerales magnésicas en cuanto al sistema urinario, sistema digestivo y sistema cardiovascular. Se clasifican las aguas magnésicas españolas y se efectúa un resumen histórico-farmacológico-terapéutico de las aguas minerales magnésicas de Firgas (Islas Canarias) (AU)

The magnesic mineral waters are mineral waters with predominant ions bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium. When ingested a remarkable diuretic effect with formation of hypotonic urinehas been observed. On prevention and treatment of renal lithiasis, cystitis or uretritis are indicated. Digestive, laxative and hepatoprotective activities, as well as, anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects has been demonstrated. Therefore, the pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses of mineral magnesic waters are revised, with respect to urinary, digestive and cardiovascular systems. The Spanish magnesic mineral waters were classified. A summary historical-pharmacological-therapeutic of magnesic mineral waters from Firgas (Canary Islands) was realized (AU)

Teriparatide effects on vertebral fractures and bone mineral density in men with osteoporosis: treatment and discontinuation of therapy.

Teriparatide (rhPTH[1-34]), a bone-forming agent for the treatment of osteoporosis, increases bone mineral density in men and women, and reduces the risk of fractures in women with osteoporosis. However, fracture efficacy has not yet been confirmed in men. Further, there is limited information on the effect of withdrawal of teriparatide. The purpose of this manuscript is to report on bone mineral density and vertebral fracture incidence during a 42-month observation period, from the baseline of the previously reported treatment study in men [1] through 30 months of posttreatment follow-up. Three hundred fifty-five men who were treated with once-daily self-injections of either placebo or 20 or 40 microg of teriparatide participated in the follow-up study. Bone mineral density gradually decreased following discontinuation of teriparatide therapy. However, the lumbar spine and total hip values remained significantly higher than baseline after 30 months of follow-up (p< or =0.001). Antiresorptive treatment prevented the decline and tended to further increase bone mineral density. Lateral thoracic lumbar radiographs obtained at baseline and 18 months after discontinuation of teriparatide were available for 279 men. Of these men, 11.7% assigned to placebo, 5.4% treated with teriparatide 20 microg, and 6.0% treated with teriparatide 40 microg had an incident vertebral fracture. In the combined teriparatide treated groups vs placebo, the risk of vertebral fracture was reduced 51% (nonsignificant, p=0.07). The incidence of moderate or severe fractures was significantly reduced by 83% (p=0.01). In conclusion, men who received teriparatide and who may have received follow-up antiresorptive therapy had a decreased risk of moderate and severe vertebral fractures.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad de Gastroenterología del Uruguay para la detección precoz y el seguimiento del cáncer colorrectal / Guidelines on early detection and follow-up colorectal cancer

El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es una de las tres primeras causas de muerte por cáncer en nuestro país, con una amplia repercusión socioeconómica. Es por ello que la Comisión Directiva de la Sociedad de Gastroenterología del Uruguay (SGU) consideró oportuno tomar medidas tendientes a disminuir su morbimortalidad. Con este fin se creó en el año 2001 una Comisión que tuvo a su cargo la revisión de los consensos internacionales de diagnóstico precoz y seguimiento del CCR para adecuarlos a nuestro medio. Surgen así las "Recomendaciones de la SGU para la detección precoz y seguimiento del CCR". En ellas se propone aplicar un programa de screening y de seguimiento para CCR, clasificando a la población en 4 grupoos de riesgo en base a la edad, los antecedentes personales y familiares de enfermedades con riesgo aumentado para CCR. La técnica a utilizar en el caso de screening variará de acuerdo al grupo, aunque de ser posible se optará por la fibrocolonoscopía como técnica ideal. El seguimiento se aplica a aquellos pacientes con antecedentes personales de pólipos adenomatosos, CCR o enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, siendo la fibrocolonoscopía la técnica de elección. Estas recomendaciones fueron puestas a consideración y arbitraje en asamblea extraordinaria de la SGU.

Constancia diacrónica de las aguas minerales de Firgas (Islas Canarias) y usos terapéuticos / Diachronic stability of mineral waters from Firgas (Canary Islands) and therapeutics uses

Mediante los trabajos aportados por diferentes historiadores del siglo XIX y XX, se estudian las características de los manantiales de la Cuenca del Barranco de La Virgen en Gran Canaria. Con los análisis físico-químicos y químicos de las Aguas Minerales de Firgas Obtenidos de los Laboratorios de AGuas Minerales de Firgas S.A. y realizados entre 1869-2001, se estudia la evolución iónica de dichas aguas. Con los informes sobre medicina popular y los estudios farmacológicos y terapéuticos obtenidos de las Bibliotecas del Museo Canario (Gran Canaria), de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de La Laguna y realizados entre 1844-1974, se estudian las acciones farmacológicas y usos terapéuticos de las Aguas Minerales de Firgas. En este estudio se aporta, por primera vez, la constancia diacrónica de los iones contenidos en las Aguas Minerales de Firgas, así como la recopilación y análisis de informes sobre medicina popular, acciones farmacológicas e indicaciones clínicas descritas por diversos investigadores desde mitad del siglo XVII hasta la actualidad, para esta clase de aguas (AU)

[Comparative study of prognostic and risk factors for mortality in polymicrobial bacteremia-fungemia in a university hospital: development over 10 years]. / Estudio comparativo de los factores de riesgo y pronósticos de mortalidad en las bacteriemias-fungemias polimicrobianas de un hospital universitario: evolución en 10 años.

OBJECTIVE: Eighty-two episodes of polymicrobial bacteremia in two time periods, 1986-87 and 1996-97, were compared to assess differences in risk factors and outcome to mortality. METHODS: A prospective, concurrent, anterograde study with univariate analysis of all episodes of polymicrobial bacteremia was performed in Hospital de la Princesa. Logistic regression analysis was applied to all significant variables (p < 0.05) in the univariate analysis in either of the two time periods. RESULTS: Variables showing statistically significant differences in incidence between the two time periods included the following: hospital acquired bacteremia; previous use of antibiotics; genitourinary, respiratory and cardiovascular manipulations; septic metastases; and absence of leukocytosis. These factors were more frequently present during 1986-87 than during 1996-97. The overall RR of outcome to mortality was five-fold greater during the first period than the second: RR 5.6 (CI 1.76-17.56) p < 0.001. The clinical characteristics at the onset of bacteremia associated with mortality in the first period were: underlying disease - < RR 2.20 (CI 1.18-4.08), steroid treatment - < RR 4.24 (CI 0.68-26.59), hypotension - < RR 2.05 (CI 1.0-4.17), and disseminated intravascular coagulation - < RR 2.31 (CI 1.69-3.35). Clinical characteristics at the onset of bacteremia associated with mortality in the second period were: hypotension - < RR 1.44 (CI 1.01-2.08), underlying disease - < RR 1.16 (CI 1.02-1.34), and disseminated intravascular coagulation - < RR 6.40 (CI 1.15-35.69). The variables independently associated with mortality in polymicrobial bacteremia were: period - < RR 2.05 (CI 1.50-2.10), underlying disease - < RR 7.05 (CI 2.68-7.50), hypotension - < RR 7.06 (CI 3.80-7.29), and (probably) vascular manipulations - < RR 3.41 (CI 0.85-4.53). CONCLUSION: Polymicrobial bacteremia-associated mortality was five-fold greater in 1986-87 than in 1996-97. The variables independently associated with mortality risk were underlying disease, hypotension, the period studied (which would include a number of variables not analyzed in this work) and, probably, vascular manipulations.

Estudio comparativo de los factores de riesgo y pronósticos de mortalidad en las bacteriemias-fungemias polimicrobianas de un hospital universitario: evolución en 10 años / Prognostic factors and mortality outcome of polymicrobial bacteremia in a university hospital: evolution after a 10-year interval

OBJETIVO. Se han estudiado 82 episodios de bacteriemias-fungemias polimicrobianas (BFP) en dos diferentes períodos (1986-1987 y 1996-1997) para valorar las diferencias en los factores pronósticos con evolución a muerte. MÉTODO. Estudio prospectivo, concurrente y anterógrado con análisis univariado de todos los episodios de BFP en el Hospital de La Princesa. Posteriormente se realizó regresión logística de todas las variables que presentaron significación estadística en el análisis univariado en al menos alguno de los dos períodos. RESULTADOS. Las variables con diferencias en la incidencia entre los períodos de estudio estadísticamente significativas fueron adquisición intrahospitalaria, uso previo de antibióticos, manipulaciones genitourinarias, respiratorias y cardiovasculares, metástasis sépticas y ausencia de leucocitosis, que fueron más frecuentes durante 1986-1987 que durante 1996-1997. Globalmente el riesgo relativo (RR) de evolución a muerte fue 5 veces mayor durante el primer período que en el segundo (RR, 5,6 [IC, 1,76-17,56]) p < 0,001. Las variables que se asociaron a incremento de la mortalidad durante el primer período fueron: presencia de enfermedad de base (RR, 2,20 [IC, 1,18-4,08]), tratamiento esteroideo (RR, 4,24 [IC, 0,68-26,59]), hipotensión (RR, 2,05 [IC, 1,0-4,17]), y presencia de coagulación intravascular diseminada (CID) (RR, 2,31 [IC, 1,69-3,35]). Las variables asociadas a muerte en el segundo período fueron: hipotensión (RR, 1,44 [IC, 1,01-2,08]), la presencia de enfermedad de base (RR, 1,16 [IC, 1,02-1,34]), y la existencia de CID (RR, 6,40 [IC, 1,15-35,69]). Las variables que de forma independiente incrementan la mortalidad en las bacteriemias polimicrobianas son: período (RR, 2,05 [IC, 1,50-2,10]), presencia de enfermedad de base (RR, 7,05 [IC, 2,68-7,50]), y la existencia de hipotensión (RR, 7,06 [IC, 3,80-7,29]). CONCLUSIÓN. En el período entre 1986-1987 la mortalidad asociada a BFP fue 5 veces mayor que entre 1996-1997. Las variables que de forma independiente se asocian a este incremento de la mortalidad son la existencia de enfermedad de base, la presencia de hipotensión y el propio período (que incluiría toda una serie de variables que no se han analizado en este trabajo) (AU)