Neuromuscular Responses and Perceptions of Health Status and Pain-Related Constructs in End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis During Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction.

ABSTRACT: Ogrezeanu, DC, López-Bueno, L, Sanchís-Sánchez, E, Carrasco, JJ, Cuenca-Martínez, F, Suso-Martí, L, López-Bueno, R, Cruz-Montecinos, C, Martinez-Valdes, E, Casaña, J, and Calatayud, J. Neuromuscular responses and perceptions of health status and pain-related constructs in end-stage knee osteoarthritis during resistance training with blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 762-772, 2024-We aimed to evaluate the neuromuscular responses and their relationship with health status, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and chronic pain self-efficacy in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis during acute resistance training with different levels of blood flow restriction (BFR). Seventeen patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis participated in 3 experimental sessions separated by 3 days, performing 4 sets of knee extensions with low load and 3 levels of concurrent BFR performed in a random order: control (no BFR), BFR at 40% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), and BFR at 80% AOP. Normalized root-mean-square (nRMS), nRMS spatial distribution (centroid displacement, modified entropy, and coefficient of variation), and normalized median frequency (nFmed) were calculated from the vastus medialis (VM) and lateralis (VL) using high-density surface electromyography. Subjects were asked to report adverse effects after the sessions. In the VM, nRMS was higher with 80% AOP than with 40% AOP ( p = 0.008) and control ( p < 0.001), whereas there were no differences between conditions in the VL. Normalized root-mean-square also showed an association with pain catastrophizing, chronic pain self-efficacy, and health status (VM: -0.50, 0.49, -0.42; VL: -0.39, 0.27, -0.33). Spatial distribution varied between conditions but mostly in the VL. Overall, nFmed did not vary, with only a slight increase in the VL with 40% AOP, between set 3 and 4. BFR during knee extensions at 80% AOP increases VM activity and VL amplitude distribution more than 40% AOP and control. Importantly, muscle activity increases are modulated by pain catastrophizing, chronic pain self-efficacy, and health status in these patients, and kinesiophobia seems to especially modulate entropy.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia with end-stage knee osteoarthritis during different blood flow restriction levels: Sham-controlled crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training could be a valuable treatment to induce exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. However, the use of BFR in these patients is poorly explored and there is no evidence about the training dosage needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of resistance training protocols with different occlusion levels of blood flow restriction (BFR) on EIH in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: University physical exercise laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 26 adults with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients performed four sets (30, 15, 15, and 15 repetitions) separated by 1-minute rests of three protocols/sessions of low-load (30% one-repetition-maximum) seated knee extensions with elastic bands and BFR: placebo (sham BFR), BFR at 40% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and BFR at 80% AOP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) collected before, immediately after session, and after 10 minutes. RESULTS: No differences in EIH were found between the different levels of BFR. However, 80% AOP protocol worsened VAS scores immediately (mean difference [MD]: -21.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] -33.9 to -8.5) while improving PPT immediately (MD affected limb: -.6 [95% CI -1.1 to -.2]); contralateral: -.6 (95% CI -1.0 to -.2]) and at 10 minutes (MD affected limb: -.6 [95% CI) -1.2 to -.1]; contralateral: -.7 [95% CI -1.1 to -.2]; and forearm: -.5 [95% CI -.9 to -.05]) post-exercise compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: There is no EIH difference after using different occlusion levels. EIH is modulated by pain-related psychological constructs and self-perceived health status.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Biological and Body Composition Variables in Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In order to assess the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on biological and body composition variables in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD), a systematic search on PubMed (Medline), CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was conducted. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled in a meta-analysis using the random-effects model. The effectiveness of HIIT on waist circumference, muscle mass, resting heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, body weight, and body fat were determined. GRADE, risk of bias 2, and PEDro scales were employed. HIIT compared to no intervention, minimal intervention, or usual care did not show significant results in its favor on any of the variables studied, except for the resting heart rate when compared with no intervention (SMD = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.04; heterogeneity Q value: 0.14; p = 0.93; I2 = 0%). In addition, HIIT also does not seem to be more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training. Based on the results, it seems that HIIT has almost no significant effects on biological and body composition variables, except for resting heart rate, in patients with MSKD.

Importance of frequency and intensity of strength training for work ability among physical therapists.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between frequency and intensity of strength training participation and work ability among physical therapists (PTs). The Work Ability Index questionnaire (WAI) and a questionnaire about participation in strength training during leisure time were administered to a sample of Spanish PTs. In addition, participants provided information on gender, age, body mass index, education, substance use, working experience and working hours per week. The odds for having excellent WAI (score 44-49) as a function of intensity or frequency of strength training participation were determined using binary logistic regression controlled for various confounders. Data from 981 PTs were analysed. High-intensity strength training (> 80% 1 RM) showed strong associations with excellent WAI (odds ratio = 9.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-31.6). In addition, performing strength training more than 3 times per week was associated with excellent WAI (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.59), however, no significant associations were found with lower levels of frequency and intensities. High-intensity strength training 3 times per week is associated with excellent WAI among PTs. Training programs meeting these features may importantly contribute to maintain or improve WAI.

Embedded bleeding detector into a PMMA applicator for electron intraoperative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to present a ready to industrialize low-cost and easy-to-install bleeding detector for use in intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT). The detector works in stand-alone mode and is embedded into a translucent polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) applicator avoiding any contact with the patient, which represent a novelty compared to previous designs. The use of this detector will prevent dose misadministration during irradiation in the event of accumulation of fluids in the applicator. METHODS: The detector is based on capacitive sensor and wireless power-supply electronics. Both sensor and electronics have been embedded in the applicator, so that any contact with the patient would be avoided. Since access to the tumor can be done through different trajectories, the detector has been calibrated for different tilting angles. RESULTS: The result of the calibration provides us with a fit curve that allows the interpolation of the results at any angle. Comparison of estimated fluid height vs real height gives an error of 1 mm for tilting angles less than 10° and 2 mm for tilting angles greater than 15°. This accuracy is better than the one required by clinic. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the bleeding detector was evaluated in situ. No interference was observed between the detector and the beam. In addition, a user-friendly mobile application has been developed to help the surgical team making decisions before and during irradiation. The measurement provided by the mobile application was stable during the irradiation process.

Evaluation of interface pressure and temperature management in five wheelchair seat cushions and their effects on user satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Factors such as the manufacturing materials, shape or even the mechanical and thermal response of sitting Pressure Redistribution Support Surfaces (PRSS) can be potential contributors to pressure ulcers. However, few studies have compared a number of characteristics of the most frequently used devices. OBJECTIVE: To compare three potential contributors to pressure ulcers in five commercial PRSS: pressure redistribution, temperature and perceived comfort. METHOD: Study with a cross-over randomized design in healthy volunteer participants. Data was collected in a temperature and relative humidity controlled environment. To assess thermal response, the temperature (Flir-E60) of the region of interest was captured before and after use of each PRSS for further analysis. The region of interest was the gluteal zone. To assess the pressure redistribution a pressure mat (XSensor®) was used between the 5 cushion and each study participant using a standardized method. Finally, a subjective perception questionnaire recorded comfort, adaptability and thermal sensation parameters. Data analysis levels of significance were set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants completed the assessments. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline temperatures between PRSS (>0.05). Pressure redistribution analysis showed significant differences between all PRSS in all variables evaluated except in the maximum and peak pressure index al sacrum. The subjective assessment suggested no major user-perceived differences between PRSS. CONCLUSION: Seat cushions made of open cell polyurethane foam blocks of variable hardness and the horseshoe cushion (also open cell polyurethane foam) seem to provide a more effective pressure relief characteristic than those injected with polyurethane foam and gel in most of the studied pressure variables. However, the cushions provide similar thermal response and perceived comfort.

The effect of experimental and clinical musculoskeletal pain on spinal and supraspinal projections to motoneurons and motor unit properties in humans: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have examined the influence of pain on spinal reflex excitability, motor unit behaviour and corticospinal excitability. Nevertheless, there are inconsistencies in the conclusions made. This systematic review sought to understand the effect of pain on spinal and supraspinal projections to motoneurons and motor unit properties by examining the influence of clinical or experimental pain on the following three domains: H-reflex, corticospinal excitability and motor unit properties. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: MeSH terms and preselected keywords relating to the H-reflex, motor evoked potentials and motor unit decomposition in chronic and experimental pain were used to perform a systematic literature search using Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Web of Science, Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Two independent reviewers screened papers for inclusion and assessed the methodological quality using a modified Downs and Black risk of bias tool; a narrative synthesis and three meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-one studies were included, and 17 different outcome variables were assessed across the three domains. Both experimental and clinical pain have no major influence on measures of the H-reflex, whereas experimental and clinical pain appeared to have differing effects on corticospinal excitability. Experimental pain consistently reduced motor unit discharge rate, a finding which was not consistent with data obtained from patients. The results indicate that when in tonic pain, induced via experimental pain models, inhibitory effects on motoneuron behaviour were evident. However, in chronic clinical pain populations, more varied responses were evident likely reflecting individual adaptations to chronic symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE: This is a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis which synthesizes evidence on the influence of pain on spinal and supraspinal projections to motoneurons and motor unit properties considering measures of the H-reflex, corticospinal excitability and motor unit behaviour. The H-reflex is largely not influenced by the presence of either clinical or experimental pain. Whilst inhibitory effects on corticospinal excitability and motor unit behaviour were evident under experimental pain conditions, more variable responses were observed for people with painful musculoskeletal disorders.

Effectiveness of mechanical diagnosis and therapy in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: a literature review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) compared to other traditional physical therapy interventions. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of MDT compared to other traditional physical therapy interventions in individuals with CLBP were considered eligible. For the purpose of this review, MDT was compared to active and passive physical therapy interventions. Independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcomes investigated were pain and disability. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the review. Of these, 11 provided data to be included in the meta-analyses. Our findings showed that MDT was no more effective in decreasing pain (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.44, 0.46) and disability (SMD=0.08, 95% CI: -0.53, 0.68) than other active treatments. Similar results were found when comparing MDT to other passive treatments for pain (SMD=-0.39, 95% CI: -0.90, 0.11) and disability (SMD=-0.13, 95% CI: -0.29, 0.03). CONCLUSION: There is low to moderate quality evidence that MDT is not superior than other traditional physical therapy interventions in improving pain and disability in people with CLBP.

Phantom development for daily checks in electron intraoperative radiotherapy with a mobile linac.

PURPOSE: IORT with mobile linear accelerators is a well-established modality where the dose rate and, therefore, the dose per pulse are very high. The constancy of the dosimetric parameters of the accelerator has to be checked daily. The aim of this work is to develop a phantom with embedded detectors to improve both accuracy and efficiency in the daily test of an IORT linac at the surgery room. METHODS: The developed phantom is manufactured with transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), allocating 6 parallel-plate chambers: a central one to evaluate the on-axis beam output, another on-axis one placed at a fixed depth under the previous one to evaluate the energy constancy and four off-axis chambers to evaluate the flatness and symmetry. To analyse the readings a specific application has been developed. RESULTS: For all chambers and energies, the mean saturation and polarization corrections were smaller than 0.7%. The beam is monitored at different levels of the clinical beam. Output, energy constancy and flatness correlate very well with the correspondent values with the complete applicator. During the first six months of clinical use the beam dosimetric parameters showed excellent stability. CONCLUSIONS: A phantom has been developed with embedded parallel plate chambers attached to the upper applicator part of an IORT linac. The phantom allows a very efficient setup reducing the time to check the parameters. It provides complete dosimetric information (output, energy and flatness) with just one shot and using ionization chambers with minimum saturation effect, as this highly pulsed beam requires.

Can People with Chronic Neck Pain Recognize Their Own Digital Pain Drawing?

BACKGROUND: Although the reliability of pain drawings (PDs) has been confirmed in people with chronic pain, there is a lack of evidence about the validity of the PD, that is, does the PD accurately represent the pain experience of the patient? OBJECTIVES: We investigate whether people with chronic neck pain (CNP) can recognize their own PD to support the validity of the PD in reporting the experience of pain. Moreover, we examined the association between their ability to recognize their own PD with their levels of pain intensity and disability and extent of psychosocial and somatic features. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. SETTING: University Laboratory. METHODS: Individuals with CNP completed their PD on a digital body chart, which was then automatically modified with specific dimensions using a novel software, providing an objective range of distortion and eliminating errors, which could potentially occur in manually controlled visual-subjective based methods. Following a 10-minute break listening to music, a series of 20 PDs were presented to each patient in a random order, with only 2 being their original PD. For each PD, the patients rated its likeliness to their own original PD on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 representing "this is my pain." RESULTS: Overall, the patients rated their original PD with a median score of 92% similarity, followed by 91.8% and 89.5% similarity when presented with a PD scaled down to 75% and scaled up by 150% of the original size, respectively; these scores were not significantly different to the ratings given for their original PD. The PD with horizontal translation by 40 pixels (8%) and vertical translation by 70 pixels (12.8%) were rated as the most dissimilar to their original PD; these scores were significantly different to their original PD scores. The Spearman correlation coefficient revealed a significant negative association between their ability to recognize their original PD and their Modified Somatic Perceptions Questionnaire scores. LIMITATIONS: The patients in the study presented with relatively mild CNP, and the results may not be generalized to those with more severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: People with CNP are generally able to identify their own PD but that their ability to recognize their original PD is negatively correlated with the extent of somatic awareness. KEY WORDS: Chronic pain, perception, pain drawings, somatic awareness.

Does experimentally induced pain-related fear influence central and peripheral movement preparation in healthy people and patients with low back pain?

Nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial disorder. Pain-related fear and altered movement preparation are considered to be key factors in the chronification process. Interactions between both have been hypothesized, but studies examining the influence of situational fear on movement preparation in low back pain (LBP) are wanting, as well as studies differentiating between recurrent LBP (RLBP) and CLBP. Therefore, this study examined whether experimentally induced pain-related fear influences movement preparation. In healthy controls (n = 32), RLBP (n = 31) and CLBP (n = 30) patients central and peripheral measures of movement preparation were assessed by concurrently measuring trunk muscle anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) with electromyography and contingent negative variation with EEG during performance of rapid arm movements. Two conditions were compared, one without (no fear) and one with (fear) possibility of painful stimulation to the back during rapid arm movements. Visual analogue scales were used to assess pain-related expectations/fear in both conditions. The experimentally induced fear of pain during movement performance led to an increase in contingent negative variation amplitude, which was similar in all 3 groups. Concerning APAs, no effects of fear were found, but group differences with generally delayed APAs in CLBP compared with controls and RLBP patients were evident. These results suggest that with fear, an attentional redirection towards more conscious central movement preparation strategies occurs. Furthermore, differences in movement preparation in patients with RLBP and CLBP exist, which could explain why patients with RLBP have more recovery capabilities than patients with CLBP.

Improving bleeding detector features for electron intraoperative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to improve the potential bleeding detection during intraoperative radiotherapy with linac polymethyl methacrylate applicators (PMMA), based on one previously developed. The improvements carried out have been focused on: i) minimizing the impact of the detector on the visual through the plastic applicators and ii) avoiding the asymmetry in the detection capability when the applicator is tilted. METHODS: Simulations have been made to select the geometry that provides a reduced visual impact on the applicator as well as allowing an independent response with the tilting angle of the applicator. A low-noise circuit for signal conditioning has been developed. Measurements have been made on three setups: 10 cm, 7 cm and 4 cm applicator diameters, 0° and 45° tilted. RESULTS: The detector has a visibility through the applicator greater than 50%. Due to the geometry, optimal detection is ensured regardless of its orientation when the applicator is tilted. It is possible to detect the presence of fluid well below the typical perturbing fluid depth established by the clinic (1-1.5 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The detector can distinguish the presence of around 0.5 cm of fluid depth while showing a high visual field through the PMMA applicators and providing a measure that does not depend on the detector orientation when the applicator is tilted. The prototype is ready for its industrialization by embedding it into the applicator for clinical use. The detector would have a significant impact on both the quality assurance and the outcome of the treatment.

[The Hospital Admision Register (CMBD) use for the analisys of hospital aquired pressure ulcer at the region of Valencia (2012-2015)]. / Utilidad del uso del registro de altas hospitalarias (CMBD) para el análisis de las úlceras por presión adquiridas durante la hospitalización en la Comunidad Valenciana (2012-2015).

OBJECTIVE: The Pressure Ulcer is a recognised healthcare adverse event and a public health problem. The main goal in this work was to understand the status of the Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcer (HAPU) from the public hospitals of the Valencian Community before (2012) and during the process of implementation of a specific prevention and treatment Practice Guideline for this matter (2013-2015). METHODS: Retrospective study through the Minimum Basic Hospital Data Set (MBDS), and taking its variables as the input. The database had 15.594 cases of hospitalization with 71 variables. The tools utilized were classical statistical analysis, Multidimensional Scaling Analysis (MDS) and Self-Organized Maps (SOM). RESULTS: The 90,83% of the admission in hospitals related to pressure ulcer treatment were admitted for a different reason than pressure ulcer itself and acquire it at the hospital. In relation to those Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcer (HAPU) a temporal pattern was discovered, in a six-month cycle decreasing in August and September and increasing at the beginning of the year. The five main diagnoses associated to the HAPU had been detected and remain stable all over the study. A hospital classification has been done related to their behaviour based on its admissions as well, retrieving four types of behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The MBDS proves to be a useful tool to retrieve a general overview of HAPU and identifying the risk patient profile where prevention strategies have to be strengthened.

OBJETIVO: Las úlceras por presión son un grave problema de salud pública y están reconocidas como un evento adverso de la atención sanitaria. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer el escenario de las Úlceras Por Presión (UPP) adquiridas en los hospitales públicos de la Comunidad Valenciana antes (2012) y durante el proceso de implementación de una Guía de Práctica Clínica (GPC) específica de prevención y tratamiento de este problema de salud (2013-2015). METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo a través del uso del Registro de Altas Hospitalarias (CMBD) de todos los hospitales públicos de la Comunidad Valenciana. La base de datos contenía 15.594 episodios de hospitalización con 71 variables. Se utilizó el análisis estadístico clásico, el análisis multidimensional escalado (MDS) y los mapas autoorganizados (SOM). RESULTADOS: El 90,83% de los pacientes que al alta se les había diagnosticado UPP ingresaron por otros motivos distintos al de UPP, pero adquirieron UPP durante su proceso de hospitalización. Se observó un patrón temporal, que coincidía cada 6 meses, con descenso durante los meses de agosto y septiembre y subidas en los primeros meses del año. Se determinaron cinco diagnósticos principales asociados, que coincidieron en todo el periodo de estudio. También se clasificaron cuatro tipos de comportamiento hospitalario, en relación a sus tendencias en las altas con diagnóstico de UPP. CONCLUSIONES: El CMBD ha contribuido de forma positiva en la caracterización del entorno de la hospitalización en la adquisición de UPP, configurando el perfil de pacientes de riesgo en los que hay que extremar las estrategias de prevención de UPP.

Detector for monitoring potential bleeding during electron intraoperative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to develop a bleeding detector integrated into the acrylic circular applicators for specific mobile linacs. Thus, a bleeding detector has been developed based on a capacitive sensor to be used with plastic applicators, as in the case of LIAC HWL from Sordina IORT Technologies SpA. According to the clinical impact, we have selected 0.5 cm as the minimum depth of fluid that should be detected. METHODS: An experiment was developed using water-simulating blood. Two setups were considered: non-beveled applicators with 7 cm and 10 cm diameter. Measurements were done for applicators 0° and 45° tilted, both with respect to the horizontal surface, in order to mimic the worst clinical scenario according to the irradiation gantry and applicator bevel angle. The behavior of the detector under irradiation was analyzed and the impact of the stray radiation on the detector was also evaluated. RESULTS: The detector was able to distinguish the presence of liquid at a minimum height of 0.5 cm. A linear behavior was obtained for both setups. We have also verified that the LIAC HWL radiation does not affect the measurements nor does the detector interfere with the stray radiation. The bleeding detector is a quasi-digital capacitive sensor with low-cost, high linearity, and easy to install. CONCLUSIONS: With this detector it is possible to perform a continuous monitoring of the liquid measurements even during the irradiation phase. Thus, it can operate not only as a pre-treatment detector but also as a continuous one.

Utilidad del uso del registro de altas hospitalarias (CMBD) para el análisis de las úlceras por presión adquiridas durante la hospitalización en la Comunidad Valenciana (2012-2015) / The Hospital Admision Register (CMBD) use for the analisys of hospital aquired pressure ulcer at the region of Valencia (2012-2015)

OBJETIVO: Las úlceras por presión son un grave problema de salud pública y están reconocidas como un evento adverso de la atención sanitaria. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer el escenario de las Úlceras Por Presión (UPP) adquiridas en los hospitales públicos de la Comunidad Valenciana antes (2012) y durante el proceso de implementación de una Guía de Práctica Clínica (GPC) específica de prevención y tratamiento de este problema de salud (2013-2015). MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo a través del uso del Registro de Altas Hospitalarias (CMBD) de todos los hospitales públicos de la Comunidad Valenciana. La base de datos contenía 15.594 episodios de hospitalización con 71 variables. Se utilizó el análisis estadístico clásico, el análisis multidimensional escalado (MDS) y los mapas autoorganizados (SOM). RESULTADOS: El 90,83% de los pacientes que al alta se les había diagnosticado UPP ingresaron por otros motivos distintos al de UPP, pero adquirieron UPP durante su proceso de hospitalización. Se observó un patrón temporal, que coincidía cada 6 meses, con descenso durante los meses de agosto y septiembre y subidas en los primeros meses del año. Se determinaron cinco diagnósticos principales asociados, que coincidieron en todo el periodo de estudio. También se clasificaron cuatro tipos de comportamiento hospitalario, en relación a sus tendencias en las altas con diagnóstico de UPP. CONCLUSIONES: El CMBD ha contribuido de forma positiva en la caracterización del entorno de la hospitalización en la adquisición de UPP, configurando el perfil de pacientes de riesgo en los que hay que extremar las estrategias de prevención de UPP

OBJECTIVE: The Pressure Ulcer is a recognised healthcare adverse event and a public health problem. The main goal in this work was to understand the status of the Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcer (HAPU) from the public hospitals of the Valencian Community before (2012) and during the process of implementation of a specific prevention and treatment Practice Guideline for this matter (2013-2015). METHODS: Retrospective study through the Minimum Basic Hospital Data Set (MBDS), and taking its variables as the input. The database had 15.594 cases of hospitalization with 71 variables. The tools utilized were classical statistical analysis, Multidimensional Scaling Analysis (MDS) and Self-Organized Maps (SOM). RESULTS: The 90,83% of the admission in hospitals related to pressure ulcer treatment were admitted for a different reason than pressure ulcer itself and acquire it at the hospital. In relation to those Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcer (HAPU) a temporal pattern was discovered, in a six-month cycle decreasing in August and September and increasing at the beginning of the year. The five main diagnoses associated to the HAPU had been detected and remain stable all over the study. A hospital classification has been done related to their behaviour based on its admissions as well, retrieving four types of behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The MBDS proves to be a useful tool to retrieve a general overview of HAPU and identifying the risk patient profile where prevention strategies have to be strengthened

Prevalence of pressure ulcers in the paediatric population and in primary health care: An epidemiological study conducted in Spain.

AIM: The primary goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the paediatric population cared for in primary health care. MATERIALS: The data of this epidemiological study were extracted from the records of the 24 departments that attended to an approximate population of 1 million inhabitants between 0 and 18 years old from 2012 to 2015. The study included children requiring assistance to reduce pressure ulcer incidence. The paediatric population was categorised into neonates and infants (0-2 years), young child (3-6 years), child (7-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years). The primary outcome was information on the prevalence of pressure ulcers. Secondary outcomes were classification of ulcers in terms of location and category. Other outcomes included the total number of consultations owing to pressure ulcers. RESULTS: The sample included 65,359 children who attended 813 centres of primary health care. The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 1.72%. A higher prevalence was observed in children younger than 3 years (2.89%), with children at age 1 year showing the most prevalence (4.77%). The highest number of diagnosed ulcers was located in the lower back and heels, regardless of the age range. CONCLUSION: Overall, the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the paediatric population attended to in primary health care is low when compared to that of hospitalised and acutely ill children. The figures advise that special attention should be paid to the care of the population younger than 3 years, because this population shows the highest prevalence.

Infrared thermography is useful for ruling out fractures in paediatric emergencies.

UNLABELLED: Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of paediatric injuries and emergency department visits in Western countries. Diagnosis usually involves radiography, but this exposes children without fractures to unnecessary ionising radiation. We explored whether infrared thermography could provide a viable alternative in trauma cases. We compared radiography and thermal images of 133 children who had been diagnosed with a trauma injury in the emergency unit of a Spanish hospital. As well as the thermal variables in the literature, we introduced a new quantifier variable, the size of the lesion. Decision tree models were built to assess the technique's accuracy in diagnosing whether a bone had been fractured or not. Infrared thermography had a sensitivity of 0.91, a specificity of 0.88 and a negative predictive value of 0.95. The new lesion size variable introduced appeared to be of main importance to the discriminatory power of the method. CONCLUSION: The high negative predictive value of infrared thermography suggests that it is a promising method for ruling out fractures.

Infrared thermal imaging in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently. Diagnostic tests using ionizing radiation can lead to problems for patients, and infrared thermal imaging could be useful when diagnosing these injuries. CONCLUSION: A systematic review was performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of infrared thermal imaging in patients with musculoskeletal injuries. A meta-analysis of three studies evaluating stress fractures was performed and found a lack of support for the usefulness of infrared thermal imaging in musculoskeletal injuries diagnosis.