Percutaneous tracheostomy in COVID patients. Experience in our hospital center after one year of pandemic and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2 has caused an increase in the need of tracheostomies in patients affected with respiratory distress syndrome. In this article we report our experience during a year of pandemic, we develop our surgical technique to perform percutaneous tracheostomy with the patient in apnea and we compare our results with those of other centers through a bibliographic review. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A one-year retrospective clinical study was carried out on tracheotomies performed on patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe SARS-CoV-2, with difficulty for ventilation or weaning. The technique performed was percutaneous, with fibroscopic control through the endotracheal tube, keeping the patient under apnea during the opening of the airway, reducing by this method the risk of exposure to the virus. RESULTS: From 35 percutaneous tracheotomies performed, 31% of the patients died from respiratory complications due to SARS-COV-2, but none due to the surgical procedure. The most frequent complication (8.5% of patients) was bleeding around the tracheostoma, resolved with local measures. No healthcare provider involved in the performance of the technique had symptoms or was diagnosed with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of performing percutaneous tracheostomy maintaining apnea during the procedure, under fibroscopic control, has proven to be safe for all those involved in the procedure, and for the patient.

[Functional results in the orthopedic treatment of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon]. / Resultados funcionales en el tratamiento ortopédico de las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and functional results of patients with acute middle third of Achilles tendon rupture treated conservatively by orthopedic boot and early weight-bearing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study with 19 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated by conservative treatment. Demographic variables, ATRS score, function using heel-rise test, calf circumference and Achilles tendon resting angle were analyzed. The clinical and functional registration was performed at six weeks, three, six and 12 months of injury. A statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: At one year follow-up, the 94% of patients were capable of standing single heel rise, the mean of twin atrophy was 1.03 cm ± 0.51 compared to uninjured side and the difference of Achilles tendon resting angle was 5.63 degrees ± 4.17 compared to contralateral limb. The 83.24% of patients returned to play and the mean of ATRS score was 87.41 points ± 17.78. Two partial re-rupture (11%) were occurred at three months of follow-up, which continued with orthopedic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, functional orthopedic treatment using orthopedic boot and early weight-bearing presents good clinical and functional outcomes, considering it a valid treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados clínicos y funcionales de los pacientes con rotura aguda del cuerpo del tendón de Aquiles tratados de forma conservadora mediante bota ortopédica y carga precoz. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional prospectivo con 19 pacientes con rotura aguda de tendón de Aquiles tratados de forma ortopédica. Se analizaron las variables demográficas, la escala ATRS (Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score), la función mediante el test de puntillas, masa muscular gemelar y el equino en reposo residual. Los registros clínicos y funcionales se realizaron a las seis semanas, tres, seis y 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante Stata 14. RESULTADOS: A los 12 meses, 94% de los pacientes realizaban puntillas monopodales, la media de la atrofia gemelar fue de 1.03 cm ± 0.51 respecto a extremidad contralateral y la diferencia de equino residual respecto el lado sano era de 5.63 grados ± 4.17, 83.24% de los pacientes realizaban su práctica deportiva habitual previa a la rotura. La media de ATRS de la muestra era de 87.41 puntos ± 17.78. Se registraron dos rerroturas parciales (11%) a los tres meses de seguimiento que continuaron con tratamiento ortopédico. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento ortopédico funcional mediante bota ortopédica y carga precoz presenta buenos resultados clínicos y funcionales, considerándolo un tratamiento válido para las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles.

Panhipopituitarismo secundario a metástasis hipofisaria en una paciente con cáncer de mama / Panhypopituitarism secondary to pituitary metastasis in a patient with breast cancer

No disponible

Role of Hydrogen Bonding and Polyanion Composition in the Formation of Lipid Bilayers on Top of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers.

The self-assembly of mixed vesicles of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC) and anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) phospholipids on top of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), as a polycation, and polystyrenesulfonate (PSS), as a polyanion, is investigated as a function of the vesicle composition by means of the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and atomic force spectroscopy (AFS). Vesicles with molar percentages of PS between 50% and 70% result in the formation of lipid bilayers on top of the PEMs. Vesicles with over 50% of PC or over 80% of PS do not assembly into bilayers. AFS studies performed with a PAH-modified cantilever approaching and retracting from the lipid assemblies reveal that the main interaction between PAH and the lipids takes place through hydrogen bonding between the amine groups of PAH and the carboxylate and phosphate groups of PS and with the phosphate groups of PC. The interaction of PAH with PS is much stronger than with PC. AFS measurements on assemblies with 50% PC and 50% PS revealed similar adhesion forces to pure PS assemblies, but the PAH chains can reorganize much better on the lipids as a consequence of the presence of PC. QCM-D experiments show that vesicles with a lipid composition of 50% PC and 50% PS do not form bilayers if PSS is replaced by alginate (Alg) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA).

Effect of three different doses of arginine enhanced enteral nutrition on nutritional status and outcomes in well nourished postsurgical cancer patients: a randomized single blinded prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high occurrence of postoperative complications. The aim of our study was to investigate whether postoperative nutrition of head and neck cancer patients, using an enhanced enteral formula with three different doses of arginine could improve nutritional variables as well as clinical outcome, depending of arginine dose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A population of 84 patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At surgery patients were randomly assigned to three different treatment groups, each one containing at less 28 patients. Group I (28 patients) received an enteral diet supplements with a low physiological dose of arginine (5.7 g per day), group II (28 patients) received an isocaloric, isonitrogenous enteral formula with a medium dose of arginine (12.3 g per day) and group III (28 patients) received an isocaloric, isonitrogenous enteral formula with a high dose of arginine (18.9 g per day). RESULTS: The length of postoperative stay had a trend to be better with high dose of arginine received (31.9 ± 17.2 days in group I vs 27.8 ± 15.2 days in group II vs 24.8 ± 18.3 days in group III: p = 0.034). No differences were detected in postoperative infections complications and diarrhea. Fistula was less frequent in groups II and III than I (10.7% group I vs 3.6% group II vs 3.6% group III: p = 0.033), The length of postoperative stay had a trend to be better with high dose of arginine received (31.9 ± 17.2 days in group I vs 27.8 ± 15.2 days in group II vs 24.8 ± 18.3 days in group III: p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that these patients could benefit from a high dose of arginine enhanced enteral formula to decrease length of hospital stay and fistula wound complications.

Clinical effects of a hypercaloric and hyperproteic oral suplemment enhanced with w3 fatty acids and dietary fiber in postsurgical ambulatory head and neck cancer patients / Efectos de un suplemento hipercalórico e hiperprotéico enriquecida con ácidos grasos w3 y fibra en pacientes ambulatorios postquirúrgicos con cáncer de cabeza y cuello

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high risk of nutritional complications. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of a hypercaloric and hyperproteic oral supplement enriched with w3 FATTY ACIDS and fiber in clinical parameters in head and neck tumor postsurgical ambulatory patients with or without radiotherapy. Design: A population of 37 ambulatory postsurgical patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At Hospital discharge postsurgical head and neck cancer patients were asked to consume two units per day of a hypercaloric and hyperproteic oral supplement for a twelve week period. Results: The mean age was 63.8+/-7.1 years (16 female/ 21 males). Duration of supplementation was 98.1±19.1 days. A significant increase of albumin and transferrin levels was observed, in total group and in patients undergoing radiotherapy and without it. No differences were detected in weight and other anthropometric parameters in total group and in patients with radiotherapy during the protocol. Nevertheless, patients without radiotherapy showed a significant improvement of BMI; weight, fat free mass and fat mass. Conclusions: An omega 3 and fiber enriched formula improved seric protein levels in ambulatory postoperative head and neck cancer patients. Improvement of weight, fat mass and fat free mass was observed in patients whom not received radiotherapy during the follow up (AU)

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello sometidos a cirugía presentan un alto riesgo de complicaciones nutricionales. Objetivo: El principal objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de un suplemento hiperenergético e hiperproteico enriquecido en ácidos grasos w3 y fibra en pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello, con y sin radioterapia. Diseño: Una muestra de 37 pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello fue evaluada. Tras el alta hospitalaria, los pacientes recibieron dos envases al día de un suplemento hiperproteico e hipercalórico durante 12 semanas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 63.8+/-7.1 años (16 mujeres/21 varones). La duración media de la suplementación fue de 98.1±19.1 días. Se detectó un aumento significativo en los niveles de albúmina y transferrina en los pacientes del grupo global, en los que recibieron radioterapia y en los que no al recibieron. El peso y los parámetros antropométricos no mejoraron en el grupo global ni en los que recibieron radioterapia. Sin embargo los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia tuvieron un aumento de la masa magra, peso y masa grasa Conclusiones: La formula enriquecida en omega 3 y fibra mejoró lo niveles de proteínas séricas. Por otra parte los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia durante el seguimiento presentaron un aumento del peso, masa grasa y masa magra (AU)

Effect of botulinum toxin type A in lateral abdominal wall muscles thickness and length of patients with midline incisional hernia secondary to open abdomen management.

PURPOSE: Abdominal wall hernia secondary to open abdomen management represents a surgical challenge. The hernia worsens due to lateral muscle retraction. Our objective was to evaluate if Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) application in lateral abdominal wall muscles modifies its thickness and length. METHODS: A clinical trial of male trauma patients with hernia secondary to open abdomen management was performed from January 2009 to July 2011. Thickness and length of lateral abdominal muscles were measured by a basal Computed Tomography and 1 month after BTA application. A dosage of 250 units of BTA was applied at five points at each side between the external and internal oblique muscles under ultrasonographic guidance. Statistical analysis for differences between basal and after BTA application measures was performed by a paired Student's t test (significance: p < 0.05). RESULTS: Seventeen male patients with a mean age of 35 years were included. There were muscle measure modifications in all the patients. Left muscle thickness: mean reduction of 1 ± 0.55 cm (p < 0.001). Right muscle thickness: mean reduction of 1.00 ± 0.49 cm (p < 0.001). Left muscle length: mean increase of 2.44 ± 1.22 cm (p < 0.001). Right muscle length: mean increase of 2.59 ± 1.38 cm (p < 0.001). No complications secondary to BTA or recurrences at mean follow-up of 49 months were observed. CONCLUSIONS: BTA application in lateral abdominal muscles decreases its thickness and increases its length in abdominal wall hernia patients secondary to open abdomen management.

Clinical effects of a hypercaloric and hyperproteic oral suplemment enhanced with W3 fatty acids and dietary fiber in postsurgical ambulatory head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high risk of nutritional complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of a hypercaloric and hyperproteic oral supplement enriched with w3 FATTY ACIDS and fiber in clinical parameters in head and neck tumor postsurgical ambulatory patients with or without radiotherapy. DESIGN: A population of 37 ambulatory postsurgical patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At Hospital discharge postsurgical head and neck cancer patients were asked to consume two units per day of a hypercaloric and hyperproteic oral supplement for a twelve week period. RESULTS: The mean age was 63.8+/-7.1 years (16 female/ 21 males). Duration of supplementation was 98.1±19.1 days. A significant increase of albumin and transferrin levels was observed, in total group and in patients undergoing radiotherapy and without it. No differences were detected in weight and other anthropometric parameters in total group and in patients with radiotherapy during the protocol. Nevertheless, patients without radiotherapy showed a significant improvement of BMI; weight, fat free mass and fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: An omega 3 and fiber enriched formula improved seric protein levels in ambulatory postoperative head and neck cancer patients. Improvement of weight, fat mass and fat free mass was observed in patients whom not received radiotherapy during the follow up.

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello sometidos a cirugía presentan un alto riesgo de complicaciones nutricionales. Objetivo: El principal objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de un suplemento hiperenergético e hiperproteico enriquecido en ácidos grasos w3 y fibra en pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello, con y sin radioterapia. Diseño: Una muestra de 37 pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello fue evaluada. Tras el alta hospitalaria, los pacientes recibieron dos envases al día de un suplemento hiperproteico e hipercalórico durante 12 semanas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 63.8+/-7.1 años (16 mujeres/21 varones). La duración media de la suplementación fue de 98.1±19.1 días. Se detectó un aumento significativo en los niveles de albúmina y transferrina en los pacientes del grupo global, en los que recibieron radioterapia y en los que no al recibieron. El peso y los parámetros antropométricos no mejoraron en el grupo global ni en los que recibieron radioterapia. Sin embargo los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia tuvieron un aumento de la masa magra, peso y masa grasa Conclusiones: La formula enriquecida en omega 3 y fibra mejoró lo niveles de proteínas séricas. Por otra parte los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia durante el seguimiento presentaron un aumento del peso, masa grasa y masa magra.

Clinical effects of a w3 enhanced powdered nutritional formula in postsurgical ambulatory head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high risk of nutritional complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of an oral w3 enriched immunoenhanced powdered formula in nutritional and biochemical parameters in postsurgical ambulatory patients with head and neck tumor. DESIGN: A population of 33 ambulatory postsurgical patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At Hospital discharge postsurgical head and neck cancer patients were asked to consume two units per day of a w3 enriched immunoenhanced powdered formula for a twelve week period. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.3 ± 9.1 years (6 female/27 males). Duration of supplementation was 95.9 ± 21.1 days. A significant increase of albumin and transferrin levels was observed, in total group and in patients undergoing radiotherapy and without it. No differences were detected in weight and other anthropometric parameters in total group and in patients with radiotherapy during the protocol. Nevertheless, patients without radiotherapy showed a significant improvement of BMI; weight, fat free mass and fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: At dose used, an omega 3 enriched powdered formula improved seric protein levels in ambulatory postoperative head and neck cancer patients. Improvement of weight, fat mass and fat free mass was observed in patients whom not received radiotherapy during the follow up.

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello sometidos a cirugía presentan un alto riesgo de complicaciones nutricionales. Objetivo: El principal objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de un suplemento oral en polvo inmunoenriquecido con ácidos grasos omega 3 en pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello. Diseño: Una muestra de 33 pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello fue evaluada. Tras el alta hospitalaria, los pacientes recibieron dos envases al día de un suplemento inmunoenriquecido con omega 3 en polvo durante 12 semanas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 61,3 ± 9,1 años (6 mujeres/27 varones). La duración media de la suplementación fue de 95,9 ± 21,1 días. Se detectó un aumento significativo en los niveles de albúmina y transferrina en los pacientes del grupo global, en los que recibieron radioterapia y en los que no al recibieron. El peso y los parámetros antropométricos no mejoraron en el grupo global ni en los que recibieron radioterapia. Sin embargo los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia tuvieron un aumento de la masa magra, peso y masa grasa Conclusiones: A la dosis usada, la formula en polvo enriquecida en omega 3 mejoró lo niveles de proteínas séricas. Por otra parte los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia durante el seguimiento presentaron un aumento del peso, masa grasa y masa magra.

Clinical effects of a w3 enhanced powdered nutritional formulain postsurgical ambulatory head and neck cancer patients / Efectos de una fórmula nutricional en polvo enriquecida con w3 en pacientes ambulatorios postquirúrgicos con cáncer de cabeza y cuello

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high risk of nutritional complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of an oral w3 enriched immunoenhanced powdered formula in nutritional and biochemical parameters in postsurgical ambulatory patients with head and neck tumor. DESIGN: A population of 33 ambulatory postsurgical patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At Hospital discharge postsurgical head and neck cancer patients were asked to consume two units per day of a w3 enriched immunoenhanced powdered formula for a twelve week period. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.3 ± 9.1 years (6 female/27 males). Duration of supplementation was 95.9 ± 21.1 days. A significant increase of albumin and transferrin levels was observed, in total group and in patients undergoing radiotherapy and without it. No differences were detected in weight and other anthropometric parameters in total group and in patients with radiotherapy during the protocol. Nevertheless, patients without radiotherapy showed a significant improvement of BMI; weight, fat free mass and fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: At dose used, an omega 3 enriched powdered formula improved seric protein levels in ambulatory postoperative head and neck cancer patients. Improvement of weight, fat mass and fat free mass was observed in patients whom not received radiotherapy during the follow up (AU)

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello sometidos a cirugía presentan un alto riesgo de complicaciones nutricionales. Objetivo: El principal objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de un suplemento oral en polvo inmunoenriquecido con ácidos grasos omega 3 en pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello. Diseño: Una muestra de 33 pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello fue evaluada. Tras el alta hospitalaria, los pacientes recibieron dos envases al día de un suplemento inmunoenriquecido con omega 3 en polvo durante 12 semanas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 61,3 ± 9,1 años (6 mujeres/27 varones). La duración media de la suplementación fue de 95,9 ± 21,1 días. Se detectó un aumento significativo en los niveles de albúmina y transferrina en los pacientes del grupo global, en los que recibieron radioterapia y en los que no al recibieron. El peso y los parámetros antropométricos no mejoraron en el grupo global ni en los que recibieron radioterapia. Sin embargo los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia tuvieron un aumento de la masa magra, peso y masa grasa Conclusiones: A la dosis usada, la formula en polvo enriquecida en omega 3 mejoró lo niveles de proteínas séricas. Por otra parte los pacientes que no recibieron radioterapia durante el seguimiento presentaron un aumento del peso, masa grasa y masa magra (AU)

A randomized clinical trial with two doses of an enteral diabetes-specific suplements in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate whether two different daily doses of a high monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) specific diabetes enteral formula could improve nutritional variables as well as metabolic parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, open-label, multicenter, parallel group study. 27 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 with recent weight loss were randomized to one of two study groups: group 1 (two cans per day) and group 2 (three cans per day) for a ten week period. RESULTS: A significative decrease of HbA1c was detected in both groups. The decrease 0.98% (confidence interval 95% 0.19-1.88) was higher in group 2 than group 1 0.60% (confidence interval 95% 0.14-1.04). A significant increase of weight, body mass index, fat mass, albumin, prealbumin and transferrin was observed in both groups without statistical differences in this improvement between both groups. The increase of weight 4.59kg (confidence interval 95% 1.71-9.49) was higher in group 2 than group 1 1.46% (confidence interval 95% 0.39-2.54). Gastrointestinal tolerance (diarrhea episodes) with both formulas was good, without statistical differences (7.60% vs 7.14%: ns). CONCLUSIONS: A high monounsaturated fatty acid diabetes-specific supplement improved HbA1c and nutritional status. These improvements were higher with three supplements than with two per day.

Association of anthropometric and biochemical markers with length of stay and mortality in the hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is associated with patient outcome, hospital stay and costs. The objective of our study was evaluated the relationship of different anthropometric and biochemical nutritional markers with hospital stance (days) and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 3087 hospitalized patients in a Universitary Hospital was enrolled. Nutritional status was assessed from anthropometric variables; body mass index (BMI), weight, weight loss in previous three months, tricipital skin fold thickness, midarm muscle circumference and midarm muscle area. Biochemical evaluation was assessed with albumin, prealbumin, transferrin and lymphocytes. Length of hospital stance and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 3087 patients were enrolled, mean age was 67.7±18.3 years, weight 63.3±15,7 kg and BMI 23.7±6.8, with a weight loss (3 months) of 6.3±4.6 kg. Length of stay was 24.7±22.1 days. A total of 2583 patients were discharged. Hospital discharge data showed 87.8% of patients went home, and a 12.2% of patients were discharged to a secondary Hospital. A (n=504) 16.3% of patients died. In the multivariate analysis with a dependent variable [length of stay (days)], only albumin levels remained as an independent predictor in the model (F=2.9; p < 0.05), with an increase of 3.1 days in hospital stay (CI 95%: 0.4-5.8) with each decrease of 1 g/dl of albumin. In multivariate analysis, an independent factor that decrease mortality was high albumin levels (hazard ratio: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22-0.80), adjusted by age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a significant association among serum albumin levels with length of stay in hospital and mortality.

A randomized clinical trial with two doses of a omega 3 fatty acids oral and arginine enhanced formula in clinical and biochemical parameters of head and neck cancer ambulatory patients.

INTRODUCTION: Postsurgical patients with head and neck cancer could have a high rate of ambulatory complications. The aim was to investigate whether oral ambulatory nutrition of head and neck cancer patients with recent weight loss, using two different doses of an omega 3 fatty acids and arginine enhanced diets could improve nutritional parameters. DESIGN: At Hospital discharge post surgical head and neck cancer patients (n=37) were asked to consume two or three cans per day of a designed omega 3 fatty acid and arginine enhanced supplement for a twelve week period. RESULTS: Albumin, prealbumin, transferrin and lymphocytes levels improved in both groups. Weight, fat mass and fat free mass improved during supplementation in group II (3 bricks per day). No differences were detected in anthropometric parameters in group I. Gastrointestinal tolerance with both formulas was good, no episodes were reported. There are no differences between both formulas on postsurgical complications rates. CONCLUSIONS: Omega 3 and arginine enhanced formulas improved blood protein concentrations and lymphocyte levels in ambulatory postoperative head and neck cancer patients. A high dose of arginine and omega 3 fatty acids formula improved weight, too.

Experience over 12 years with home enteral nutrition in a healthcare area of Spain.

BACKGROUND: The wide spread use of long-term enteral nutrition and the substantive costs dictate a need to study the outcome, as well as the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, of these patients. The present study aimed to analyse the incidence and characteristics of a cohort of patients on home enteral nutrition (HEN) over 12 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed between January 1999 and December 2010. All adult patients living in Valladolid West area who were discharged from the hospital on HEN were prospectively studied and followed up. RESULTS: The incidence of HEN ranged between 9.52 per 100, 000 inhabitants in 2001 to 30.0 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2009. HEN was administered orally in 472 patients (68.28%) (group 1), and through a nasogastric tube in 168 patients (24.30%), a percutaneous enteral gastrostomy tube in 47 patients (6.80%) and a jejunostomy in four patients (0.60%) (group 2; 219 patients). During the course of HEN, 31 patients had diarrhoea (4.5%), 17 patients had constipation and 12 patients had nausea. The mean (SD) duration of HEN was 159.9 (97) days. In multivariable analysis, an independent factor associated with death was age (hazard ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval - 1.01-1.05), adjusted by sex, route and diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: HEN has a high incidence in our area and it is a valid and safe technique for nutrition support.

Impact of a multidimensional infection control strategy on catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates in the adult intensive care units of 15 developing countries: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multidimensional infection control strategy for the reduction of the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in patients hospitalized in adult intensive care units (AICUs) of hospitals which are members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 40 cities of 15 developing countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Philippines, and Turkey. METHODS: We conducted a prospective before-after surveillance study of CAUTI rates on 56,429 patients hospitalized in 57 AICUs, during 360,667 bed-days. The study was divided into the baseline period (Phase 1) and the intervention period (Phase 2). In Phase 1, active surveillance was performed. In Phase 2, we implemented a multidimensional infection control approach that included: (1) a bundle of preventive measures, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback of CAUTI rates, and (6) feedback of performance. The rates of CAUTI obtained in Phase 1 were compared with the rates obtained in Phase 2, after interventions were implemented. RESULTS: We recorded 253,122 urinary catheter (UC)-days: 30,390 in Phase 1 and 222,732 in Phase 2. In Phase 1, before the intervention, the CAUTI rate was 7.86 per 1,000 UC-days, and in Phase 2, after intervention, the rate of CAUTI decreased to 4.95 per 1,000 UC-days [relative risk (RR) 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.72)], showing a 37% rate reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the implementation of a multidimensional infection control strategy is associated with a significant reduction in the CAUTI rate in AICUs from developing countries.

Resistin levels in morbid obese patients following the biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

Previous studies addressing the changes of resistin concentrations in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery have yielded conflicting results. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes in serum resistin levels 1 year after biliopancreatic diversion in morbidly obese patients without diabetes mellitus. A cohort of 39 morbidly obese patients without diabetes mellitus was operated. Biochemical and anthropometric evaluation were realized at basal visit and at each visit. The frequency of patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia was recorded at each visit. Overall the mean patient age was 44.8 ± 14.1, and the mean preoperative BMI was 47.3 ± 6.5 kg/m². After one year of surgery, a significant decrease was observed in BMI, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Resistin levels did not change after surgery (5.61 ± 1.93 ng/ml vs. 6.41 ± 3.58 ng/ml; ns). Correlation analysis showed a positive association between basal resistin and weight (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and fat mass (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). Resistin concentrations did not change after massive weight loss with biliopancreatic diversion in morbid obese patients without diabetes mellitus.

Influence of an immuno-enhanced formula in postsurgical ambulatory patients with head and neck cancer / Influencia de una formula inmunoenriquecida en pacientes ambulatorios postquirurgicos con cancer de cabeza y cuello

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high incidence of ambulatory postoperative complications. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of an oral immunoenhanced supplement (arginine and glutamine) on nutritional and biochemical parameters in postsurgical ambulatory patients with head and neck tumor. Design: A population of 39 ambulatory postsurgical patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At Hospital discharge postsurgical head and neck cancer patients were asked to consume two units per day of a specially designed enhanced supplement for a twelve week period. Results: The mean age was 60.2+/-13.1 years (9 female/30 males). Duration of supplementation was 90.8 + 20days. A significant increase of album in (3.1±0.6 g/dl vs 4.12+0.7g /dl;p<0.05), prealbumin (21.4±6.3 mg/dl vs22.4+5.9 mg/dl;p<0.05) and transferr in (198.8±45.2mg/dl vs 253.8+60.7 mg/dl; p<0.05) levels were observed. No differences were detected in weight and other anthropometric parameters. Ten patients (41.3%) received radiotherapy along the enhanced supplementation period and only 5 (20% of patients with radiotherapy) developed a clinical oral mucositis. Conclusions: At dose used, arginine and glutamine enhanced formula improved seric protein levels in ambulatory postoperative head and neck cancer patients with a low rate of oral mucositis in the subgroup with radiotherapy (AU)

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello sometidos a cirugía presentan una alta incidencia de complicaciones ambulatorias. Objetivo: El principal objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de un suplemento oral inmunoenriquecido con arginina y glutamina en pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello. Diseño: Una muestra de 39 pacientes postquirúrgicos ambulatorios con tumores de cabeza y cuello fue evaluada. Tras el alta hospitalaria, los pacientes recibieron dos bricks al día de un suplemento inmuno enriquecido durante 12 semanas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 60,2+/-13,1 años (9mujeres/30 varones). La duración media de la suplementación fue de 90,8+20 días. Se detectó un aumento significativo en los niveles de albúmina (3,1±0,6 g/dl vs4,12+0,7 mg/dl; p<0,05), prealbúmina (21,4±6,3 mg/dl vs22,4+5,9 mg/dl;p<0,05) y transferrina (198,8±45,2 mg/dlvs 253,8+60,7 mg/dl; p<0,05). No se detectaron diferencias en el peso ni en otras variables antropométricas. Un total de 10 pacientes (41,3%) recibieron radioterapia durante la suplementación, de los cuales solo 2 (20% de los pacientes con radioterapia) desarrollaron mucositis oral con significación clínica. Conclusiones: A la dosis usada, la formula enriquecida con arginina y glutamina mejoró lo niveles de proteínas séricas. Por otra parte los pacientes suplementados presentaron una baja tasa de mucositis asociada a la radioterapia (AU)

Effects of C358A missense polymorphism of the endocannabinoid degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors 1 year after biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment of morbid obesity and also results in a reduction of obesity-associated co-morbidities. We investigated the role of the polymorphism (C358A) of the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene on the clinical outcomes 1 year after biliopancreatic diversion in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: A total of 67 morbidly obese patients (body mass index >40 kg/m(2)) underwent biliopancreatic diversion. Their weight, blood pressure, basal glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at the baseline visit and at each follow-up visit. The frequency of the metabolic co-morbidities was recorded at each visit. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients, 46 (68.7%) had genotype C358C (wild-type group) and 21 (10.3%) had genotype C358A (mutant-type group). In the wild- and mutant-type groups, the body mass index, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations decreased, without statistical significance between the 2 groups. The initial percentage of weight loss at 9 months and 1 year of follow-up was greater in the mutant-type group (9 months, 22.1% versus 28.8%, P <.05; and 1 year, 28.3% versus 36.4%, P <.05). CONCLUSION: The allele A358 of fatty acid amide hydrolase was associated with a better initial percentage of excess weight loss 9 and 12 months after biliopancreatic diversion.

G 1359A polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) and clinical results of biliopancreatic diversion.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity, reducing obesity-associated co-morbidities. We decide to investigate the role of the polymorphism (G1359A) of the cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor gene on clinical outcomes 1 year after biliopancreatic diversion in morbidly obese patients. DESIGN: A sample of 66 morbidly obese patients (BMI >40 kg/m2) were operated. Weight, fat mass, blood pressure, basal glucose, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at basal visit and at each visit. The frequency of metabolic comorbidities was recorded at each visit. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (59.1%) had genotype G1359G (wild type group) and 27 (40.9%) patients had genotype G1359A (mutant type group). In wild and mutant type groups, body mass index, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerols concentrations decreased, without statistical between genotype groups. Initial weight percent loss at 1 year of follow up was similar in both genotypes (33.1% vs 33.6%; ns). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that polymorphism G1359A in the CB1 receptor did not have a significant effect on biochemical and anthropometric improvements after biliopancreatic diversion surgery.