Análisis geoestadístico desde el laboratorio clínico en prevención cardiovascular para atención primaria / Geostatistical analysis from the clinical laboratory in cardiovascular prevention for primary care

Introducción y objetivos: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares continúan encabezando la mortalidad en España. Las técnicas de análisis geoestadístico en el laboratorio clínico son herramientas innovadoras que permiten el diseño de nuevas estrategias en prevención primaria de enfermedad cardiovascular. El objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia y geolocalización de dislipidemias en las áreas sanitarias de estudio para implementar estrategias de prevención en atención primaria. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de los niveles de colesterol unido a proteínas de baja densidad, triglicéridos y lipoproteína (a) en los años 2019 y 2020. Además, se realizó un análisis geoestadístico que incluyó la representación en mapas coropléticos y la detección de clústeres de agrupación; para ello, se utilizó la información geográfica en formato de código postal incluida en los datos demográficos de cada analítica. Resultados: Los datos analíticos incluidos en el estudio fueron triglicéridos (n=365.384), colesterol unido a proteínas de baja densidad (n=289.594) y lipoproteína (a) (n=502). Se identificaron las áreas con mayor y menor porcentaje de casos para los puntos de corte establecidos de cLDL> 190mg/dl y TG> 150mg/dl. Se detectaron 2clústeres de agrupación con significación estadística para cLDL> 190mg/dl y un total de 6 clústeres para los valores de TG> 150mg/dl. Conclusiones: La detección de clústeres, así como la representación de mapas coropléticos, pueden ser de gran ayuda en la detección de áreas geográficas que requieran de mayor atención para intervenir en el riesgo cardiovascular.(A)U

Introduction and objectives: Cardiovascular diseases continue to lead the ranking of mortality in Spain. The implementation of geostatistical analysis techniques in the clinical laboratory are innovative tools that allow the design of new strategies in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence and geolocation of severe dyslipidemia in the health areas under study in order to implement prevention strategies in primary care. A retrospective cohort study of low-density protein-bound cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoprotein (a) levels in the years 2019 and 2020 were carried out. In addition, a geostatistical analysis was performed including representation in choropleth maps and the detection of clustering clusters, using geographic information in zip code format included in the demographic data of each analytic. Results: The analytical data included in the study were triglycerides (n=365,384), low density protein-bound cholesterol (n=289,594) and lipoprotein to lipoprotein (a) (n=502). Areas with the highest and lowest percentage of cases were identified for the established cut-off points of LDL-C>190mg/dL and TG>150mg/dL. Two clustering clusters with statistical significance were detected for cLDL>190mg/dL and a total of 6 clusters for TG values>150mg/dL. Conclusions: The detection of clusters, as well as the representation of choropleth maps, can be of great help in detecting geographic areas that require greater attention to intervene and improve cardiovascular risk.(AU)

Geostatistical analysis from the clinical laboratory in cardiovascular prevention for primary care. / Análisis geoestadístico desde el laboratorio clínico en prevención cardiovascular para atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases continue to lead the ranking of mortality in Spain. The implementation of geostatistical analysis techniques in the clinical laboratory are innovative tools that allow the design of new strategies in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence and geolocation of severe dyslipidemia in the health areas under study in order to implement prevention strategies in primary care. A retrospective cohort study of low-density protein-bound cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoprotein (a) levels in the years 2019 and 2020 were carried out. In addition, a geostatistical analysis was performed including representation in choropleth maps and the detection of clustering clusters, using geographic information in zip code format included in the demographic data of each analytic. RESULTS: The analytical data included in the study were triglycerides (n=365,384), low density protein-bound cholesterol (n=289,594) and lipoprotein to lipoprotein (a) (n=502). Areas with the highest and lowest percentage of cases were identified for the established cut-off points of LDL-C>190mg/dL and TG>150mg/dL. Two clustering clusters with statistical significance were detected for cLDL>190mg/dL and a total of 6 clusters for TG values>150mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of clusters, as well as the representation of choropleth maps, can be of great help in detecting geographic areas that require greater attention to intervene and improve cardiovascular risk.

Incorporación de parámetros bioquímicos y algoritmos diagnósticos en el sistema informático de laboratorio para la detección precoz de alteraciones lipídicas desde las unidades de lípidos / Incorporation of biochemical parameters and diagnostic algorithms in the laboratory computer system for the early detection of lipid abnormalities from the lipid units

Introducción: La combinación de marcadores bioquímicos y el diseño e implementación de algoritmos diagnósticos en el sistema informático de los laboratorios podrían convertirse en herramientas muy potentes en la estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular. Objetivos: Implementar nuevos marcadores bioquímicos y algoritmos diagnósticos hasta ahora no disponibles para facilitar la estimación del riesgo cardiovascular y la orientación diagnóstica de las alteraciones lipídicas. Material y métodos: Estudio para la implementación de apolipoproteína B y de lipoproteína (a), así como la inclusión de diferentes algoritmos diagnósticos. Se ha realizado conjuntamente entre las diferentes unidades de lípidos de la Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis, Hospital Virgen Macarena de Sevilla, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Hospital Infanta Elena y Hospital de Río Tinto durante los años 2018 y 2019. Resultados: Se han aplicado 4 algoritmos diagnósticos en el sistema de información del laboratorio, que mostraron 9.985 pacientes totales con c-LDL>200mg/dl. Según el algoritmo diagnóstico, que se amplió para que incluyera ApoB, 8.182 determinaciones presentaban una apolipoproteína B>100mg/dl. Se determinaron 747 casos de lipoproteína (a), de las cuales un 30,65% fueron superiores a 50mg/dl. El 71,80% presentaban resultados compatibles con partículas de LDL pequeñas y densas. Conclusiones: La implementación de nuevos parámetros analíticos y el uso de algoritmos en los laboratorios en atención primaria permite identificar un número considerable de pacientes con diferentes alteraciones en el metabolismo lipídico que, junto con los factores de riesgo clásicos, podría contribuir a una correcta estratificación de riesgo y a evitar la progresión de la enfermedad cardiovascular.(AU)

Introduction: The combination of biochemical markers, together with the design and implementation of diagnostic algorithms in laboratory computer systems could become very powerful tools in the stratification of cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To implement new biochemical markers and diagnostic algorithms not yet available, in order to provide an estimation of cardiovascular risk and the diagnostic orientation of lipid alterations. Material and methods: Study of the implementation of apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a), as well as the inclusion of different diagnostic algorithms. This was carried out jointly by the different Lipid Units of the Spanish Society of Atherosclerosis, Hospital Virgen Macarena in Seville, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Hospital Infanta Elena, and Hospital de Río Tinto during 2018 and 2019. Results: The 4diagnostic algorithms entered into the Laboratory Information System, showed a total of 9,985 patients with c-LDL>200mg/dl. The diagnostic algorithm was extended to include Apo B, with 8,182 determinations showing an apolipoprotein B>100mg/dl). A total of 747 lipoprotein (a) were determined, of which 30.65% were> 50mg/dl. More than 2/3 (71.80%) showed results compatible with small and dense LDL particles. Conclusions: The implementation of new analytical parameters and algorithms in Primary Care laboratory results can identify a considerable number of patients with different alterations in lipid metabolism. This, together with the classic risk factors, could contribute to a correct risk stratification in preventing the progression of cardiovascular disease.(AU)

Prevalencia de hipercolesterolemias severas observadas en los distintos hospitales de Andalucía y Ceuta / Prevalence of severe hypercholesterolemia observed in different hospitals in Andalusia and Ceuta

La hipercolesterolemia severa es un importante factor de riesgo cardiovascular. Su detección precoz y tratamiento puede reducir la incidencia de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Dada la alta prevalencia de hipercolesterolemia en Andalucía, el desarrollo de una estrategia oportunista para su detección en atención primaria puede ser una medida eficiente. Objetivo: Identificar pacientes en atención primaria con hipercolesterolemias severas que puedan incrementar su riesgo cardiovascular mediante una consulta del colesterol- LDL al sistema informático de laboratorio. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, multicéntrico, en 16 hospitales de Andalucía y Ceuta. Se adquirieron datos analíticos anonimizados de los diferentes sistemas informáticos de laboratorio del año 2018 y exclusivamente del Hospital Virgen Macarena para el año 2019. Resultados: De un total de 1.969.035 determinaciones≥18 años se detectaron 2.791 pacientes (0,14%) con colesterol-LDL>250mg/dl, y en menores de 18 años, sobre un total de 2.327.211 determinaciones estudiadas, se detectaron 3.804 pacientes (0,16%) con colesterol-LDL>135mg/dl. La mayor incidencia de posibles hipercolesterolemias genéticas en adultos correspondió a la provincia Sevilla con 23,6 casos/1.000 determinaciones, mientras que en menores la mayor incidencia correspondió a la provincia de Cádiz, con 75 posibles casos/1.000 determinaciones. Se observa un triángulo geográfico de mayor prevalencia entre las provincias de Sevilla, Huelva y Cádiz. Conclusiones: El desarrollo de una estrategia oportunista mediante consulta informática del colesterol-LDL en atención primaria detecta un gran número de sujetos con hipercolesterolemias severas que se podrían beneficiar de una intervención precoz.(AU)

Severe hypercholesterolaemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Early detection and treatment can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Given the high prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in Andalusia, the development of a screening strategy for its detection in Primary Care may be an efficient measure. Objective: To identify patients in Primary Care with severe hypercholesterolaemia that may increase their cardiovascular risk by reviewing LDL-cholesterol results in computerised laboratory systems. Material and methods: Observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in 16 hospitals in Andalusia and Ceuta. Anonymous analytical data were acquired from the different laboratory computer systems for the year 2018, and exclusively from Macarena Hospital for the year 2019. Results: From a total of 1,969,035 determinations on≥18 years old, 2,791 patients (0.14%) were detected with LDL-cholesterol>250mg/dl and from a total of 2.327.211 determinations studied in children under 18 years old, 3,804 patients (0.16%) were detected with LDL-cholesterol>135mg/dL. The highest incidence of possible genetic hypercholesterolaemia in adults corresponded to the province of Seville with 23.6 cases/1,000 determinations, while in minors, the highest incidence corresponded to the province of Cadiz with 75 possible cases/1,000 determinations. A geographical triangle of greater prevalence is observed between the provinces of Seville, Huelva and Cadiz. Conclusions: The development of a screening strategy using a computerised review of LDL-cholesterol in Primary Care detects a large number of subjects with severe hypercholesterolaemia that could benefit from an early intervention.(AU)

Incorporation of biochemical parameters and diagnostic algorithms in the laboratory computer system for the early detection of lipid abnormalities from the lipid units. / Incorporación de parámetros bioquímicos y algoritmos diagnósticos en el sistema informático de laboratorio para la detección precoz de alteraciones lipídicas desde las unidades de lípidos.

INTRODUCTION: The combination of biochemical markers, together with the design and implementation of diagnostic algorithms in laboratory computer systems could become very powerful tools in the stratification of cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES: To implement new biochemical markers and diagnostic algorithms not yet available, in order to provide an estimation of cardiovascular risk and the diagnostic orientation of lipid alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study of the implementation of apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a), as well as the inclusion of different diagnostic algorithms. This was carried out jointly by the different Lipid Units of the Spanish Society of Atherosclerosis, Hospital Virgen Macarena in Seville, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Hospital Infanta Elena, and Hospital de Río Tinto during 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: The 4diagnostic algorithms entered into the Laboratory Information System, showed a total of 9,985 patients with c-LDL>200mg/dl. The diagnostic algorithm was extended to include Apo B, with 8,182 determinations showing an apolipoprotein B>100mg/dl). A total of 747 lipoprotein (a) were determined, of which 30.65% were> 50mg/dl. More than 2/3 (71.80%) showed results compatible with small and dense LDL particles. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of new analytical parameters and algorithms in Primary Care laboratory results can identify a considerable number of patients with different alterations in lipid metabolism. This, together with the classic risk factors, could contribute to a correct risk stratification in preventing the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Prevalence of severe hypercholesterolemia observed in different hospitals in Andalusia and Ceuta. / Prevalencia de hipercolesterolemias severas observadas en los distintos hospitales de Andalucía y Ceuta.

Severe hypercholesterolaemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Early detection and treatment can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Given the high prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in Andalusia, the development of a screening strategy for its detection in Primary Care may be an efficient measure. OBJECTIVE: To identify patients in Primary Care with severe hypercholesterolaemia that may increase their cardiovascular risk by reviewing LDL-cholesterol results in computerised laboratory systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in 16 hospitals in Andalusia and Ceuta. Anonymous analytical data were acquired from the different laboratory computer systems for the year 2018, and exclusively from Macarena Hospital for the year 2019. RESULTS: From a total of 1,969,035 determinations on≥18 years old, 2,791 patients (0.14%) were detected with LDL-cholesterol>250mg/dl and from a total of 2.327.211 determinations studied in children under 18 years old, 3,804 patients (0.16%) were detected with LDL-cholesterol>135mg/dL. The highest incidence of possible genetic hypercholesterolaemia in adults corresponded to the province of Seville with 23.6 cases/1,000 determinations, while in minors, the highest incidence corresponded to the province of Cadiz with 75 possible cases/1,000 determinations. A geographical triangle of greater prevalence is observed between the provinces of Seville, Huelva and Cadiz. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a screening strategy using a computerised review of LDL-cholesterol in Primary Care detects a large number of subjects with severe hypercholesterolaemia that could benefit from an early intervention.

Oncología personalizada: principales biomarcadores en el pronóstico y tratamiento de tumores sólidos / Personalised oncology: main biomarkers in the prognosis and treatment of solid tumours

En las últimas décadas ha habido grandes avances en los tratamientos personalizados en pacientes oncológicos gracias a un importante desarrollo científico. El análisis genómico ha mostrado que tumores que parecían tener un origen común, en realidad constituyen un grupo de diversas entidades moleculares. Por otro lado, ha sido muy importante el desarrollo de fármacos dirigidos que actúan de forma específica en las rutas bioquímicas involucradas en el proceso oncológico. El conocimiento de la biología celular y molecular del cáncer ha hecho posible identificar los mecanismos responsables de la transformación maligna y está permitiendo utilizar nuevos marcadores de especial utilidad para definir el pronóstico y determinar el tratamiento de las enfermedades oncológicas

Due to significant scientific developments in the last decades, treatment for oncology patients has started to use more specific and personalised approaches. The genomic analysis has demonstrated that tumours that seemed similar constitute a diverse group of molecular entities. One of the most important breakthroughs is the development of targeted drugs aimed at specific biochemical pathways. Recent advances in knowledge of the cellular and molecular biology of cancer have helped in the identification of the mechanisms of cell malignant transformation, therefore allowing the use of new predictive factors and molecular treatments in cancer

El papel del laboratorio clínico en la medicina personalizada: situación actual y retos futuros / The role of the clinical laboratory in personalised medicine: Present situation and future challenges

La medicina personalizada, medicina de precisión o medicina individualizada ha sido definida como una manera de abordar el tratamiento y la prevención de las enfermedades en base a la variabilidad genética, ambiental y al estilo de vida de cada persona. Clasifica a los individuos en subpoblaciones que difieren en la susceptibilidad a desarrollar una enfermedad determinada o en la respuesta a un tratamiento específico, con el fin de aplicar el seguimiento y tratamiento más adecuado a cada paciente. La implementación de los procesos asociados a la Medicina Personalizada implica que los profesionales de laboratorio se enfrenten a una tecnología muy avanzada y poco conocida y a la dificultad de interpretación de los hallazgos, especialmente la valoración de su significación clínica. En este artículo se revisa la situación actual de la Medicina Personalizada, la función del laboratorio dentro de la misma y los retos que se deben afrontar

Personalised medicine, precision medicine, or individualised medicine has been defined as the way of preventing and treating diseases based on the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle variability for each individual. It classifies subjects into sub-populations that have different susceptibilities to develop a specific disease or to respond to a particular treatment. Its aim is to follow-up and treat each patient in the more suited to the patient. The establishment of the processes related to personalised medicine requires that specialists in Laboratory Medicine cope with cutting-edge, and little-known, technology with an interpretation that is highly complex from a clinical point of view. This review summarises the current situation of personalised medicine, the role of laboratory medicine in its implementation, and the challenges that need to be faced

Dianas farmacológicas en la esclerosis múltiple / Pharmacological targets in multiple sclerosis

Resumen. La esclerosis múltiple es la enfermedad inflamatoria, desmielinizante y neurodegenerativa crónica más frecuente en jóvenes adultos, pero carece de un tratamiento farmacológico definitivo. Es una enfermedad heterogénea, desde el punto de vista inmunológico, neuropatológico y clínico, al igual que lo es su respuesta a las distintas terapias. Durante las últimas dos décadas, la farmacología ha centrado sus esfuerzos en el desarrollo de fármacos modificadores del curso de esta enfermedad, con el objetivo de reducir la frecuencia de los brotes y la velocidad de progresión de la discapacidad que produce la enfermedad. Sin embargo, hoy día no disponemos de un fármaco capaz de presentar un efecto curativo que estabilice por completo la enfermedad, y las estrategias neuroprotectoras y neurorreparadoras están en sus inicios. En este trabajo realizamos una revisión crítica de las diferentes vías patogénicas que participan en la esclerosis múltiple y discutimos las diferentes aproximaciones farmacológicas realizadas, basándonos en los ensayos clínicos que están actualmente en desarrollo. Es previsible que en un futuro próximo consigamos, primero, estabilizar por completo la enfermedad y, más adelante, recuperar parte de las funciones alteradas que ocasiona esta enfermedad. La investigación tiene lugar a tal ritmo que sólo se puede ser optimista y pensar que seremos capaces de mejorar pronto la situación de las personas que padecen la enfermedad (AU)

Summary. Multiple sclerosis is the most frequent chronic inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease in young adults, but has no definitive pharmacological treatment. It is a heterogeneous disease from the immunological, neuropathological and clinical point of view, as well as in terms of its response to different therapies. Over the last two decades, pharmacology has focused on developing drugs that are capable of modifying the course of this disease, with the aim of reducing the frequency of the outbreaks and the speed at which the disability produced by the disease progresses. Nevertheless, today, there are no drugs that are capable of offering a curative effect that can fully stabilise the disease, and neuroprotective and neuroreparative strategies are still in their early stages. In this work we carry out a critical review of the different pathogenic paths involved in multiple sclerosis and we discuss the different pharmacologicalapproaches that have been followed, based on the clinical trials that are currently being conducted. In the near future it is to be expected that, first, we will manage to stabilise the disease completely and, later, recover some of the functions altered by this disease. Research is being conducted at such a rate that we have to be optimistic and think that soon we will be able to improve the situation of those who suffer from the disease (AU)

[Pharmacological targets in multiple sclerosis]. / Dianas farmacologicas en la esclerosis multiple.

Multiple sclerosis is the most frequent chronic inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease in young adults, but has no definitive pharmacological treatment. It is a heterogeneous disease from the immunological, neuropathological and clinical point of view, as well as in terms of its response to different therapies. Over the last two decades, pharmacology has focused on developing drugs that are capable of modifying the course of this disease, with the aim of reducing the frequency of the outbreaks and the speed at which the disability produced by the disease progresses. Nevertheless, today, there are no drugs that are capable of offering a curative effect that can fully stabilise the disease, and neuroprotective and neuroreparative strategies are still in their early stages. In this work we carry out a critical review of the different pathogenic paths involved in multiple sclerosis and we discuss the different pharmacological approaches that have been followed, based on the clinical trials that are currently being conducted. In the near future it is to be expected that, first, we will manage to stabilise the disease completely and, later, recover some of the functions altered by this disease. Research is being conducted at such a rate that we have to be optimistic and think that soon we will be able to improve the situation of those who suffer from the disease.