Biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of (82)Rb at rest and during peak pharmacological stress in patients referred for myocardial perfusion imaging.

PURPOSE: (82)Rb is an ultra-short-lived positron emitter used for myocardial blood flow quantification with PET imaging. The aim of this study was to quantify the biodistribution and radiation dosimetry in patients with coronary disease and in healthy normal volunteers. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects, 26 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and four healthy volunteers were injected with (82)Rb chloride at 10 MBq/kg followed by a 10-min dynamic PET scan. Chest scans at rest were acquired in all subjects, as well as one additional biodistribution scan of the head, neck, abdomen, pelvis or thighs. Chest scans under stress were acquired in 25 of the CAD patients. (82)Rb time-integrated activity coefficients were determined in 22 source organs using volume of interest analysis, including corrections for partial-volume losses. The mean time-integrated activity coefficients were used to calculate the whole-body effective dose using tissue weighting factors from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publications 60 and 103. RESULTS: A total of 283 organ time-integrated activity coefficients were calculated, with a minimum of four values per source organ. The rest and stress mean effective dose was 0.8 mSv/GBq, according to the most recent ICRP definition. Using 10 MBq/kg for 3D PET imaging, the effective dose to a gender-averaged reference person (60 kg female and 73 kg male) is 1.1 mSv for a complete rest and stress perfusion study. For 2D PET using a typical injected activity of 1.1 to 2.2 GBq each for rest and stress, the effective dose for a complete study is 1.8 to 3.5 mSv. CONCLUSION: The current effective dose estimate in CAD patients is four times lower than the values reported previously by the ICRP, and about 35% lower than previous in vivo studies in young healthy subjects.

[Correlation between previous coronary artery stenting and early mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery]. / Corrélations entre antécédents d'angioplastie coronaire et mortalité précoce après chirurgie coronaire.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we examine the effect of previous percutaneous intervention on the rate of adverse perioperative outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: Outcomes of 240 CABG patients, collected consecutively in an observational study, were compared. Gp A (n=35) had prior PCI before CABG and Gp B (n=205) underwent primary CABG. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained for the following preoperative criteria: previous myocardial infarction: 48.6% vs 36.6% (P=0.003), distribution of CAD (P=0.0001), unstable angina: 45.7% vs 39% (P=0.04). For intraoperative data, the total number of established bypasses was 2.6 (GpA) vs 2.07 (Gp B) (P=0.017), with the number of arterial bypass grafts being: 20% vs 13% (P=ns). Regarding the postoperative course, no significant difference in troponine I rate, 24-hour bleeding: 962 ml (Gp A) vs 798 ml (Gp B) (P=0.004), transfusion (PRBC unit): 3.63 (Gp A) vs 2.5 (Gp B) (P=0.006). Previous PCI emerged as an independent predictor of postoperative in-hospital mortality (OR 2.24, 95% CI [1.52-2.75], P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with prior PCI presented for CABG with more severe CAD. Thirty-day mortality and morbidity were significantly higher in patients with prior PCI.

¿Cómo identificar los efectos adversos en urgencias? Una guía consensuada para el cribado / How to identify adverse events in emergency services? A guide agreed for the screening

Objetivo: Dado que un tercio de los efectos adversos (EA) ocurren antes de la hospitalización, los servicios de urgencias constituyen un lugar idóneo para estimar su incidencia. Nuestro objetivo fue diseñar una guía de cribado para identificación de los EA debidos a la asistencia adecuada a las condiciones de urgencias. Material y métodos: Técnica cualitativa de grupo nominal. Participaron 14 profesionales que analizaron qué factores de riesgo intrínseco, riesgo extrínseco y condiciones de alerta eran los idóneos para cribado de EA en urgencias. Moderada por un especialista en este tipo de técnicas. Resultados: Existió alto consenso en que los EA más frecuentes en urgencias son los relacionados con medicamentos, pruebas diagnósticas e identificación correcta del motivo de urgencia. Se propuso añadir a la guía de cribado abuso de alcohol, problemática social del paciente, deterioro cognitivo y autonomía basal. En relación con los factores de riesgo extrínsecos, apuntaron la necesidad de incluir la realización de cardioversión, punción lumbar o colocación de drenajes. Respecto al formulario de condiciones de alerta, todos los criterios parecieron correctos y adecuados, salvo el relacionado con daño en relación con el parto. Conclusiones: Mediante esta técnica se ha logrado validar unos materiales ya reconocidos y en nuestro país ampliamente utilizados. La guía de cribado se consideró apta con leves modificaciones en algunos factores de riesgo y condiciones de alerta, mientras que respecto al cuestionario Modular Revision Form (MRF2), los profesionales estuvieron de acuerdo con que, en general, es adecuado para la caracterización del EA que se produce en urgencias (AU)

Objective: Since a third of adverse events (AE) occur outside hospital, the Emergency Services are a suitable place to look at their incidence. We considered designing a screening guide, adapted to the conditions of the emergency services, to identify AE. Material and methods: A qualitative technique was applied (nominal group) in which 14 professionals participated. They analysed which factors of intrinsic risk, extrinsic risk, and alert conditions, were suitable for a screening guide of AE in emergency services. The session was chaired by a specialist in these types of techniques. Results: Consensus was high in that the most frequent AE in emergencies were those related to medicines, diagnostic tests and with the correct identification of the reason for emergency. With respect to screening guide, the group proposed adding alcohol abuse, patient social problems, cognitive deterioration, basal autonomy and disability. In relation to extrinsic risk factors, they pointed to the need of including defibrillation, spinal tap or drainage implantation. With respect to the alert conditions form, the professionals agreed in that all the criteria seemed correct and suitable, except for that related to damage relation childbirth or amniocentesis. Conclusions: By using this technique we have managed to validate materials already recognized, and widely used in our country. The screening guide was considered useful, with slight modifications in some risk factors and alert conditions. The professionals agreed that the MRF2 modular questionnaire is appropriate for the characterisation of AE in emergencies (AU)

[How to identify adverse events in emergency services? A guide agreed for the screening]. / ¿Cómo identificar los efectos adversos en urgencias? Una guía consensuada para el cribado.

OBJECTIVE: Since a third of adverse events (AE) occur outside hospital, the Emergency Services are a suitable place to look at their incidence. We considered designing a screening guide, adapted to the conditions of the emergency services, to identify AE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative technique was applied (nominal group) in which 14 professionals participated. They analysed which factors of intrinsic risk, extrinsic risk, and alert conditions, were suitable for a screening guide of AE in emergency services. The session was chaired by a specialist in these types of techniques. RESULTS: Consensus was high in that the most frequent AE in emergencies were those related to medicines, diagnostic tests and with the correct identification of the reason for emergency. With respect to screening guide, the group proposed adding alcohol abuse, patient social problems, cognitive deterioration, basal autonomy and disability. In relation to extrinsic risk factors, they pointed to the need of including defibrillation, spinal tap or drainage implantation. With respect to the alert conditions form, the professionals agreed in that all the criteria seemed correct and suitable, except for that related to damage relation childbirth or amniocentesis. CONCLUSIONS: By using this technique we have managed to validate materials already recognized, and widely used in our country. The screening guide was considered useful, with slight modifications in some risk factors and alert conditions. The professionals agreed that the MRF2 modular questionnaire is appropriate for the characterisation of AE in emergencies.

Percepción de seguridad clínica tras el alta hospitalaria / Perceptions of clinical safety after hospital discharge

Fundamentos y Objetivo: La percepción de seguridad clínica que poseen los pacientes ha sido poco estudiada. En este estudio se describe la frecuencia de errores clínicos desde el punto de vista del paciente, su percepción de seguridad y su relación con la información recibida. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo basado en una encuesta postal tras 20 días del alta a 336 pacientes quirúrgicos (tasa corregida de respuesta del 75,58%, error del 5,7% para un nivel de confianza del 95%). Resultados: Un 13,05% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 9,16- 16,95%) informaron sufrir un error clínico. Un 10,5% con complicaciones graves. Esta experiencia disminuye la percepción de seguridad en tratamientos futuros ( 2 1,2 = 30,84; p = 0,0001). Un 11,9% (IC del 95%, 7,2-16,6%) consideraron que el riesgo de ser víctima de un error médico con consecuencias graves es alto, aunque menor al de sufrir un accidente de tráfico, robo/atraco o presentar una enfermedad grave. Ver noticias en los medios sobre errores disminuye la percepción de seguridad (p < 0,001). Los pacientes que valoran positivamente la información recibida sobre tratamiento y que pueden formular preguntas al médico son quienes menos errores informan (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Un 1,37% de pacientes quirúrgicos informan de errores con consecuencias graves, mientras que 12 de cada 100 creen que el riesgo de un error con consecuencias graves es elevado. Tras un error se incrementa la desconfianza. Mejorar la comunicación con el paciente contribuye a reducir errores, lo que refuerza el papel de los programas para incrementar la seguridad que fomentan un papel más activo en el paciente (AU)

Objetive: Patient perception of clinical safety has been scantly studied. This study describes the frequency of clinical errors from a patient point of view, their perception of safety and its relationship with the information received. Material and Methods: Descriptive study based on a postal survey to 336 surgical patients, 20 days after the discharge from the hospital (the corrected rate of response is 75.58%, the error is 5.7% for a confidence level of 95%). Results: In the responses, 13.05% (95% CI, 9.16-16.95%) reported suffering a clinical error. Of these, 10.5% had severe complications. This experience decreases the perception of safety in future treatments (p = 0.0001). The risk of being a victim of a medical error with serious consequences is high was considered by 11.9% (95% CI, 7.2-16.6%) of the patients, although less than suffering from a traffic accident, a robbery or a serious illness. A higher frequency in the media related to medical mistakes, decreases the perception of safety (p < .001). The patients who positively value the information received regarding the treatment and who can formulate questions to ask the doctor are those who report less errors (p < .001). Conclusions: A total of 1.37% of surgical patients report mistakes with severe consequences, whereas 12% believe that the risk of a mistake with serious consequences is high. Distrust increases after an error. Improving communication with the patient helps to reduce mistakes, which strengthens the role of programs to increase safety that encourage more active patient involvement (AU)

Analysis of volatile compounds produced by 2 strains of Lactococcus lactis isolated from leben (Tunisian fermented milk) using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography.

The volatile compounds that characterize Leben during fermentation with 2 Lactococcus lactis strains (SLT6 and SLT10) in flasks, in a 100-L fermentor, and during storage at 4 degrees C, were investigated and compared to those from commercial Leben. Volatile compounds from Leben were concentrated by a Carboxen-PDMS fiber and analyzed by GC-MS. These compounds include acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, sulfur compounds, and hydrocarbons. Commercial Leben presented a poor volatile profile compared to the laboratory-made Leben. The mixed culture of 2 Lactococcus lactis strains resulted in higher volatile compound formation than the single strain culture. The GC volatile profiles of Leben produced in flask and in the 100-L fermentor were similar. Changes in volatile compounds were observed during storage at 4 degrees C. The effect of culture conditions on production of volatiles by SLT6 strain was studied. Aeration (0.1 mL/min) and agitation enhanced the production of diacetyl, acetoin, 3-methylbutanal, and 3-methylbutanol. Fermentation at pH 5 had no effect on volatile production.

[Perceptions of clinical safety after hospital discharge]. / Percepción de seguridad clínica tras el alta hospitalaria.

OBJECTIVE: Patient perception of clinical safety has been scantly studied. This study describes the frequency of clinical errors from a patient point of view, their perception of safety and its relationship with the information received. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study based on a postal survey to 336 surgical patients, 20 days after the discharge from the hospital (the corrected rate of response is 75.58%, the error is 5.7% for a confidence level of 95%). RESULTS: In the responses, 13.05% (95% CI, 9.16-16.95%) reported suffering a clinical error. Of these, 10.5% had severe complications. This experience decreases the perception of safety in future treatments (p = 0.0001). The risk of being a victim of a medical error with serious consequences is high was considered by 11.9% (95% CI, 7.2-16.6%) of the patients, although less than suffering from a traffic accident, a robbery or a serious illness. A higher frequency in the media related to medical mistakes, decreases the perception of safety (p < .001). The patients who positively value the information received regarding the treatment and who can formulate questions to ask the doctor are those who report less errors (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A total of 1.37% of surgical patients report mistakes with severe consequences, whereas 12% believe that the risk of a mistake with serious consequences is high. Distrust increases after an error. Improving communication with the patient helps to reduce mistakes, which strengthens the role of programs to increase safety that encourage more active patient involvement.

[Mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta: report of 2 cases]. / Les anévrismes mycotiques de l'aorte ascendante: à propos de deux cas.

Infection in the vascular tree has been proved to be one of the greatest challenges for cardiovascular surgeons. Mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta is unusual, life threatening pathologic entity and develops mainly after open heart procedure. We report two cases of mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta occurring after prosthetic replacement of the aortic valve.

Cardiopericardial hydatid cysts.

Cardiac hydatic cyst is a rare parasitic disease. We reported 45 patients with cardiac hydatid cysts; 33 of the 45 had a primitive, unique cardiac cyst. Altogether, 18 patients of our series were asymptomatic, and 27 patients complained of symptoms (dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations). In 11 cases the cyst was revealed by an acute complication; 3 of the 11 had pulmonary metastatic hydatidosis. The diagnosis was based on a series of test results in which hydatid serology and imaging (echocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) played a predominant role. Cystopericystectomy is the gold standard procedure but is sometimes unsuitable for particular sites. In that case, a conservative approach (partial pericystectomy) is mandatory to preserve organ function. The operative mortality rate is 5.5%. Two pericardial recurrences were reported during follow-up.

[Brucella endocarditis of native valves. Report of 3 cases]. / Les endocardites brucelliennes sur valves natives. A propos de 3 cas.

Brucella endocarditis is a rare but a serious complication of human brucellosis. We report 3 cases, the diagnostic was suspected by the patient's history of systemic brucellosis in two cases and established by the culture of native valve material in the third. All the patients underwent surgery for non control of the infections, one patient died in immediately postoperative period by acute cardiac failure. For the other patients, there were no early or late mortality and no recurrence after a follow up of respectively 6 and 84 months. The diagnostic of brucella endocarditis needed a very high degree of clinical suspicion, it requires an early management valve replacement is in the majority of cases, followed by adequate and prolonged antibiotic treatment.