Clinical characteristics and management of patients with atrial fibrillation treated with direct oral anticoagulants according to blood pressure control / Características clínicas y manejo de pacientes con fibrilación auricular tratados con anticoagulantes orales directos de acuerdo al control de presión arterial

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics and management of hypertensive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) according to blood pressure (BP) control. Methods: For this purpose, data from two observational, cross-sectional and multicenter studies were combined. In both studies, patients on chronic treatment with anticoagulants and that were on current treatment with DOACs at least for 3 months were included. Adequate BP was defined as a systolic BP < 140 mmHg and a diastolic BP < 90 mmHg (< 140/85 mmHg if diabetes). Results: Overall, 1036 patients were included. Of these, 881 (85%) had hypertension that were finally analyzed. The presence of other risk factors and cardiovascular disease was common. Mean BP was 132.6 ± 14.3/75.2 ± 9.2 mmHg and 70.5% of patients achieved BP goals. Those patients with a poor BP control had more frequently diabetes, and a history of prior labile INR. Patients had a high thromboembolic risk, but without significant differences according to BP control. By contrast, more patients with a poor BP control had a higher bleeding risk (HAS-BLED ≥3: 24.0% vs 35.4%; P < 0.001). HAS-BLED score was an independent predictor of poor BP control (odds ratio 1.435; 95% confidence interval 1.216-1.693; P < 0.001). Satisfaction with anticoagulant treatment was independent of BP control. Conclusions: More than two thirds of our patients with hypertension and AF anticoagulated with DOACs achieve BP targets, what is clearly superior to that reported in the general hypertensive population

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y el manejo de hipertensos con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) tratados con anticoagulantes orales directos (ACOD) de acuerdo al control de la presión arterial (PA). Métodos: Se combinaron los datos de 2 estudios observacionales, transversales y multicéntricos. En ambos estudios se incluyeron a pacientes tratados crónicamente con anticoagulantes y que estuviesen actualmente siendo tratados con ACOD al menos durante 3 meses. Se definió como control adecuado de la PA, tener una PA sistólica < 140 mmHg y una PA diastólica < 90 mmHg (< 140/85 mmHg, si diabetes). Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.036 pacientes. De estos, 881 (85%) tenían hipertensión, que fueron finalmente analizados. La presencia de otros factores de riesgo y enfermedades cardiovasculares fue frecuente. La PA media fue de 132,6 ± 14,3/75,2 ± 9,2 mmHg; el 70,5% de los pacientes lograron los objetivos de PA. Aquellos pacientes con un pobre control de PA tuvieron más frecuentemente diabetes, y antecedentes de INR lábil. Los pacientes tenían un elevado riesgo tromboembólico, pero sin diferencias de acuerdo al control de PA. Hubo más pacientes con un pobre control de PA con un mayor riesgo de sangrado (HAS-BLED ≥3: 24,0 vs. 35,4%; p < 0,001). La puntuación HAS-BLED fue un predictor independiente de pobre control de PA (OR: 1,435; IC 95%: 1,216-1,693; p < 0,001). La satisfacción con el tratamiento anticoagulante fue independiente del control de PA. Conclusiones: Más de dos tercios de nuestros hipertensos con FANV anticoagulados con ACOD logran los objetivos de PA, lo que es claramente superior a lo reportado en la población hipertensa general

Diferencias en el manejo de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular según inicie el tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales de acción directa el médico de atención primaria o el especialista. Estudios SILVER-AP y BRONCE-AP / Differences in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation according to whether primary care or the specialist initiates treatment with direct oral anticoagulants. The SILVER-AP and BRONCE-AP studies

Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y el manejo de pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) tratados con anticoagulantes orales de acción directa (ACOD) de acuerdo a quién inicia su prescripción: el médico de atención primaria (AP) o el especialista. Material y métodos: Se compararon 2 estudios observacionales, transversales y multicéntricos. El estudio SILVER-AP se realizó en aquellas comunidades autónomas en las que el médico de AP podía prescribir ACOD y el estudio BRONCE-AP en aquellas comunidades autónomas en las que el médico de AP debía derivar al especialista para tal fin. Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados de FANV con riesgo de ictus o embolia sistémica que estuviesen en tratamiento crónico con anticoagulantes, que hubiesen modificado su pauta terapéutica y que actualmente estuviesen en tratamiento con un ACOD durante al menos 3meses. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 1.036 pacientes (790 provenientes del estudio SILVER-AP y 246 del BRONCE-AP). En comparación con el estudio BRONCE-AP, los pacientes incluidos en el SILVER-AP eran mayores, tenían más comorbilidades y el riesgo tromboembólico y hemorrágico era más elevado (CHA2DS2-VASc 4,3±1,6 vs. 3,8±1,8; p<0,001; HAS-BLED 2,1±0,8 vs. 1,8±1,0; p<0,001). El cumplimiento terapéutico fue elevado, al igual que la satisfacción con el tratamiento. Las dosis bajas de ACOD se emplearon frecuentemente, en especial con dabigatrán. Conclusiones: Los pacientes en los que el médico de AP puede prescribir ACOD tienen un peor perfil clínico, con un mayor riesgo tromboembólico y de hemorragias que aquellos casos en los que debe derivar al especialista

Objectives: To determine the clinical characteristics and management of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) according to who initiates their prescription, the Primary Care (PC) physician or referring the patient to a specialist. Material and methods: Two observational, cross-sectional and multicentre studies were compared for this purpose. The SILVER-AP study was performed in those autonomous communities in which the PC physician can prescribe DOAC directly, and the BRONCE-AP study in those autonomous communities in which the PC physician has to refer the patient to the specialist to start treatment with DOAC. Patients on chronic treatment with anticoagulants, in whom therapy was changed, and those that were on current treatment with DOAC for at least 3months, were included. Results: A total of 1,036 patients (790 from SILVER-AP study and 246 from BRONCE-AP study) were included. Compared with the BRONCE-AP study, those patients included in SILVER-AP were older and had more comorbidities, as well as a higher thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc 4.3±1.6 vs. 3.8±1.8; P<.001; HAS-BLED 2.1±0.8 vs. 1.8±1.0; P<.001). Therapeutic adherence and satisfaction with treatment were high. Low doses of DOAC were frequently prescribed, particularly with dabigatran. Conclusions: Those patients in whom the PC physician can prescribe DOAC directly have a worse clinical profile, as well as a higher thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risk than those patients in whom the PC physician has to refer to the specialist

Clinical characteristics and management of patients with atrial fibrillation treated with direct oral anticoagulants according to blood pressure control.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics and management of hypertensive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) according to blood pressure (BP) control. METHODS: For this purpose, data from two observational, cross-sectional and multicenter studies were combined. In both studies, patients on chronic treatment with anticoagulants and that were on current treatment with DOACs at least for 3 months were included. Adequate BP was defined as a systolic BP<140mmHg and a diastolic BP<90mmHg (<140/85mmHg if diabetes). RESULTS: Overall, 1036 patients were included. Of these, 881 (85%) had hypertension that were finally analyzed. The presence of other risk factors and cardiovascular disease was common. Mean BP was 132.6±14.3/75.2±9.2mmHg and 70.5% of patients achieved BP goals. Those patients with a poor BP control had more frequently diabetes, and a history of prior labile INR. Patients had a high thromboembolic risk, but without significant differences according to BP control. By contrast, more patients with a poor BP control had a higher bleeding risk (HAS-BLED ≥3: 24.0% vs 35.4%; P<0.001). HAS-BLED score was an independent predictor of poor BP control (odds ratio 1.435; 95% confidence interval 1.216-1.693; P<0.001). Satisfaction with anticoagulant treatment was independent of BP control. CONCLUSIONS: More than two thirds of our patients with hypertension and AF anticoagulated with DOACs achieve BP targets, what is clearly superior to that reported in the general hypertensive population.

[Differences in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation according to whether primary care or the specialist initiates treatment with direct oral anticoagulants. The SILVER-AP and BRONCE-AP studies]. / Diferencias en el manejo de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular según inicie el tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales de acción directa el médico de atención primaria o el especialista. Estudios SILVER-AP y BRONCE-AP.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical characteristics and management of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) according to who initiates their prescription, the Primary Care (PC) physician or referring the patient to a specialist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two observational, cross-sectional and multicentre studies were compared for this purpose. The SILVER-AP study was performed in those autonomous communities in which the PC physician can prescribe DOAC directly, and the BRONCE-AP study in those autonomous communities in which the PC physician has to refer the patient to the specialist to start treatment with DOAC. Patients on chronic treatment with anticoagulants, in whom therapy was changed, and those that were on current treatment with DOAC for at least 3months, were included. RESULTS: A total of 1,036 patients (790 from SILVER-AP study and 246 from BRONCE-AP study) were included. Compared with the BRONCE-AP study, those patients included in SILVER-AP were older and had more comorbidities, as well as a higher thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc 4.3±1.6 vs. 3.8±1.8; P<.001; HAS-BLED 2.1±0.8 vs. 1.8±1.0; P<.001). Therapeutic adherence and satisfaction with treatment were high. Low doses of DOAC were frequently prescribed, particularly with dabigatran. CONCLUSIONS: Those patients in whom the PC physician can prescribe DOAC directly have a worse clinical profile, as well as a higher thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risk than those patients in whom the PC physician has to refer to the specialist.

Dermatitis atópica: A propósito de un caso / Atopic dermatitis: About a case

Se trata de una adolescente femenina de 16 años de edad, natural de Cuyagua estado Aragua y procedente de la localidad, quien presenta desde hace cuatro meses aproximadamente, prurito intenso a nivel del complejo areola pezón y exudado, amarillento, no fétido, de moderada cantidad en ambas mamas. Refiere haber consultado a facultativo quien indica tratamiento, a base de oxacilina no presentando mejoría. Acude el día 05/04/16 al Centro Integral de Especialidades "Los Grillitos", CORPOSALUD. Municipio Mario Briceño Iragorry a consulta especializada. Al examen físico se evidencia: mamas simétricas, complejo areola pezón eritematoso, con zonas de descamación, exudado amarillento y a nivel de mama izquierda se extiende hasta piel del cuadrante ínfero interno; se indica realizar paraclínicos: ecosonograma mamario, hematología completa, VSG, PCR y se toma muestra para cultivo, de la misma manera se indica tratamiento con corticoides tópicos y antibióticoterapia (ciprofloxacina). Acude a control el 15/04/16 con evolución clínica satisfactoria y resultado de cultivo positivo para S. aureus, sensible a ciprofloxacina.

It is female 16-year-old native of Cuyagua state Aragua and from the town, who presents from four months about intense itching at the level of the nipple areola complex and not fetid yellowish exudate moderate amount of both breasts, which refers consultation with physician who indicates treatment based oxacillin presented no improvement. She goes on 5/4/16 at Integral Center specialty "The Grillitos" CORPOSALUD. Municipio Mario Briceño Iragorry a specialist consultation, physical examination is evident: symmetrical breasts, nipple areola complex erythematosus, with areas of desquamation and yellowish exudate, and level of left breast extends to skin internal bottom quadrant shown performing paraclinical: sonogram breast, complete blood count, ESR, CRP and sample is taken for cultivation, in the same way treatment with topical corticosteroids and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin) is indicated. Control goes to 04/15/16 with satisfactory clinical evolution resulting in positive culture for S. aureus sensitive to ciprofloxacin.

Cambios en los objetivos terapéuticos y grado de control de la hipertensión arterial: nuevas evidencias / Changes in therapeutic targets and level of control of arterial hypertension: New evidence

No disponible

Explorando el contexto del tratamiento antihipertensivo en Atención Primaria. Estudio SIMPLITENS / Exploring the context of antihypertensive treatment in primary care. The SIMPLITENS study

A pesar de la existencia de diferentes guías sobre el manejo de la hipertensión arterial y de los numerosos fármacos antihipertensivos disponibles, el grado de control de la hipertensión dista de ser óptimo, siendo muchas las razones que pueden explicar esta circunstancia. El objetivo del estudio SIMPLITENS fue describir la situación del tratamiento antihipertensivo en Atención Primaria en España con los objetivos secundarios de hacer un retrato de la actitud terapéutica de los médicos, identificar el papel de factores circunstanciales (administración, guías) sobre las decisiones terapéuticas y validar un modelo de simplificación del tratamiento. Se utilizó el método Delphi para investigaciones clínicas de RAND/UCLA. Participaron 140 médicos de Atención Primaria que manifestaron su grado de acuerdo o desacuerdo con 28 afirmaciones (13 sobre la actitud terapéutica frente a la hipertensión arterial, 9 sobre el impacto de los factores circunstanciales y 6 sobre un modelo simplificado de tratamiento) mediante una escala de cinco categorías. Se realizaron dos rondas y se consideró que había consenso cuando un 75% de los votos eran coincidentes. Hubo consenso sobre 12 cuestiones, 4 en primera y 8 en segunda ronda. Cuatro de las afirmaciones con consenso eran sobre la actitud terapéutica, 4 sobre los factores circunstanciales y 4 sobre la validación del modelo simplificado. A la vista de los resultados obtenidos, parece aconsejable diseñar acciones formativas sobre el tratamiento antihipertensivo, especialmente sobre las evidencias de eficacia de los distintos fármacos en monoterapia y combinación, sobre el contenido de las guías y sobre los criterios de selección del tratamiento en distintos grupos de pacientes

Despite the existence of several guidelines on the management of hypertension and the numerous antihypertensive agents available, hypertension control is far from optimal, for multiple reasons. The aim of the SIMPLITENS trial was to describe the situation of antihypertensive treatment in primary care in Spain. Secondary objectives were to describe the therapeutic approach in primary care physicians, identify the role of circumstantial factors (administration, guidelines) on therapeutic decisions, and to validate a treatment simplification model. We used the RAND-UCLA Delphi method for clinical research. Participants consisted of 140 primary care physicians who expressed their degree of agreement or disagreement with 28 statements (13 on the therapeutic approach to hypertension, 9 on the impact of circumstantial factors, and 6 on the treatment simplification model) through a 5-point scale. Two rounds were held and consensus was considered to be reached when 75% of the votes were in agreement. Consensus was reached on 12 statements, 4 in the first round and 8 in the second. Four of the statements achieving consensus were related to the therapeutic approach, 4 were related to circumstantial factors and 4 were related to the simplification model. The results obtained suggest that training strategies on antihypertensive treatment should be designed, especially on evidence of the effectiveness of the distinct agents, both as monotherapy and combination therapy, on the contents of guidelines, and on the criteria for treatment selection in distinct patient groups

Economic evaluation of Cardio inCode®, a clinical-genetic function for coronary heart disease risk assessment.

BACKGROUND: A clinical­genetic function (Cardio inCode®) was generated using genetic variants associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), but not with classical CHD risk factors, to achieve a more precise estimation of the CHD risk of individuals by incorporating genetics into risk equations [Framingham and REGICOR (Registre Gironí del Cor)]. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct an economic analysis of the CHD risk assessment with Cardio inCode®, which incorporates the patient's genetic risk into the functions of REGICOR and Framingham, compared with the standard method (using only the functions). METHODS: A Markov model was developed with seven states of health (low CHD risk, moderate CHD risk, high CHD risk, CHD event, recurrent CHD, chronic CHD, and death). The reclassification of CHD risk derived from genetic information and transition probabilities between states was obtained from a validation study conducted in cohorts of REGICOR (Spain) and Framingham (USA). It was assumed that patients classified as at moderate risk by the standard method were the best candidates to test the risk reclassification with Cardio inCode®. The utilities and costs (€; year 2011 values) of Markov states were obtained from the literature and Spanish sources. The analysis was performed from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System, for a life expectancy of 82 years in Spain. An annual discount rate of 3.5 % for costs and benefits was applied. RESULTS: For a Cardio inCode® price of €400, the cost per QALY gained compared with the standard method [incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER)] would be €12,969 and €21,385 in REGICOR and Framingham cohorts, respectively. The threshold price of Cardio inCode® to reach the ICER threshold generally accepted in Spain (€30,000/QALY) would range between €668 and €836. The greatest benefit occurred in the subgroup of patients with moderate­high risk, with a high-risk reclassification of 22.8 % and 12 % of patients and an ICER of €1,652/QALY and €5,884/QALY in the REGICOR and Framingham cohorts, respectively. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of the study results. CONCLUSIONS: Cardio inCode® is a cost-effective risk score option in CHD risk assessment compared with the standard method.

Opinión de los médicos expertos en hipertensión sobre las combinaciones triples en España. Proyecto SINERGIA / Opinion of medical experts in hypertension on the use of triple combinations in Spain. SINERGIA project

Introducción: Recientemente se ha comercializado en España la triple terapia fija de valsartán, amlodipino e hidroclorotiazida. Métodos: El proyecto Sinergia se puso en marcha con el objetivo de mejorar el conocimiento de la hipertensión arterial, a través de compartir entre los profesionales médicos las últimas evidencias científicas de las terapias combinadas en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial, así como la revisión de las últimas recomendaciones de las guías nacionales e internacionales más relevantes. Se puso especial énfasis en la importancia del uso de combinaciones triples y en particular en la triple combinación en un solo comprimido. Para ello se realizaron 57 reuniones de grupos pequeños en la modalidad conocida como focus group en toda España que permitieron recoger la opinión de 387 médicos de Atención Primaria y de 149 especialistas. Resultados: En cuanto a la eficacia, el aspecto que más se destacó tanto por los especialistas como por parte de los médicos de Atención Primaria fue que los fármacos incluidos en la triple terapia poseen mecanismos de acción complementarios. Por otra parte, la combinación triple fija permite mejorar el cumplimiento y la adherencia al tratamiento. Finalmente, la triple terapia ha demostrado ser segura, con una baja incidencia de efectos secundarios. Conclusiones: La triple terapia fija de valsartán, amlodipino e hidroclorotiazida es una alternativa eficaz y segura tanto en aquellos sujetos no controlados con dos fármacos antihipertensivos, como en aquellos que ya toman tres o más fármacos antihipertensivos, con el objetivo desimplificar el tratamiento y mejorar la adherencia (AU)

Introduction: The fixed triple combination therapy with valsartan-amlodipine hydrochlorothiazide has been marketed recently in Spain. Methods: The Sinergia project was initiated with the aim of improving knowledge on arterial hypertension through the sharing of the recent scientific evidence of combined therapies in the treatment of arterial hypertension and the review of the most recent recommendations of the most relevant national and international guidelines among the medical professionals. Special emphasis has placed on the importance of the use of the triple fixed combinations and specifically on the triple combination in a single tablet. For this purpose, 57 small group meetings were held with specialists in the field of hypertension known as ‘‘focus group’’ all around Spain. These meetings made it possible to gather the opinion of 387 General Practitioners and 149 specialists. Results: In regards to efficacy, the most relevant aspect emphasized by the General Practitioners and specialists was that the drugs included in the triple combination have complementary action mechanisms. On the other hand, the fixed triple combination makes it possible to improve therapeutic compliance and treatment adherence. Finally, the triple combination has been shown to be safe, with a low rate of side effects. Conclusions: The fixed triple combination of valsartan-amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide is an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of patients who are not adequately controlled with two antihypertensive agents and those subjects who are taking three or more drugs with the aim of simplifying the treatment and improving adherence (AU)

Predictive role of duplex Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute renal obstruction in patients with unilateral renal colic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the role of Doppler ultrasonography (DU) by resistive index (RI) and the difference of the RI (DeltaRI) in patients with acute unilateral renal obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 36 consecutive patients (12 female, 24 male; mean age 45.6 +/- 8.4 years) with suspected renal colic by intravenous pyelography (IVP) and DU with determination of the RI and the Delta RI. A RI of >= 0.70 and a DeltaRI of >= 0.06 were considered suggestive of obstruction. IVP was considered as the "gold standard". RESULTS: In the studied population, RI was 0.664 +/- 0.060 in the affected kidney site of symptoms and 0.614 +/- 0.025 in the contralateral one, with an overall Delta RI of 0.049 +/- 0.062. At IVP, 14 patients resulted within normal range (Group A; 39%), 6 patients showed lithiasis without obstruction (Group B; 17%), 8 patients showed delayed excretion of the contrast medium (Group C; 22%), and 8 patients showed a functional exclusion of the kidney (Group D; 22%). One-way analysis of variance showed the IVP group significantly related to Delta RI with the highest values in Groups C (DeltaRI of 0.093 +/- 0.051; p<0.001) and D (DeltaRI of 0.116 +/-0.030; p<0.001) in comparison with Group A (DeltaRI of 0.001 +/-0.038) and Group B (DeltaRI of 0.015 +/-0.024). No differences were detected between Groups C and D (p=0.223) and between Groups A and B (p-0.472). DeltaRI measurement with DU permitted to predict the renal obstruction with a sensitivity of 93.8%, a specificity of 95.0% and an accuracy of 94.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography represents a sensitive and highly specific test that can significantly contribute to the diagnosis of obstruction in patients with acute renal colic. It should be used as the first line imaging method in suspected acute renal colic, as well as for patients with renal insufficiency, pregnant women or for patients with adverse reactions to contrast media

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to massive rupture of renal angiomyolipoma treated with nephrectomy: an unusual onset of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic and systemic disorder characterized by benign hamartomatous tumors that involve multiple organ systems. The classical clinical triad of TSC consists of seizure, adenoma sebaceum (facial angiofibromata) and mental retardation. Renal angiomyolipomas are documented in approximately 40 - 80% of tuberous sclerosis patients and usually are small and asymptomatic. Less frequently nodules are large and lead to retroperitoneal hemorrhage. In these cases diagnosis can be difficult but definitive only after the histological examination or the systemic investigation of other possible tissue involvements. We describe the case of a 28 year old woman who came to the emergency department with acute postprandial abdominal pain and severe anemia due to hemorrhagic renal angiomyolipoma treated by nephrectomy in whom the following examination led to the diagnosis of TSC.

High doses of lercanidipine are better tolerated than other dihydropyridines in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome: results from the TOLERANCE study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The TOlerabilidad de LERcanidipino 20 mg frente a Amlodipino y Nifedipino en CondicionEs normales de uso study was aimed to compare the tolerability of high doses of lercanidipine with amlodipine and nifedipine gastro-intestinal therapeutic system (GITS) in the treatment of hypertension in daily clinical practice. PATIENTS/METHODS: Essential hypertensives >or= 18 years, treated during at least 1 month with lercanidipine 20 mg, amlodipine 10 mg or nifedipine GITS 60 mg, after a previous treatment course of at least 1 month with half the dose of the corresponding drugs were included. We present the data of the subgroup of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-seven of the 650 study population fulfilled criteria of MetS, 233 (69.1%) on lercanidipine and 104 (30.9%) on amlodipine/nifedipine GITS. Overall, a significantly lower proportion of lercanidipine-treated patients showed adverse reactions (ARs) when compared with patients receiving other-dihydropyridines (DHPs) (60.1% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.003). Similarly, the most common vasodilation-related ARs (oedema, swelling, flushing and headache) were significantly less frequent in lercanidipine group (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, lercanidipine appears to exhibit a better tolerability profile and less vasodilation-related ARs compared with other DHPs in hypertensive patients with MetS.

[Prevalence of kidney insufficiency in primary care population in Spain: EROCAP study]. / Prevalencia de insuficiencia renal en Centros de Atención Primaria en España: Estudio EROCAP.

This cross-sectional, multicenter study investigated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated disorders, in an adult population sample (> 18 years old) attending Primary Care services in Spain. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (Modification Diet in Renal Disease equation) was used for analysis of kidney disease prevalence according to NFK-KDOQI (The National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) stages. Data were collected on serum creatinine, other laboratory parameters blood pressure, and medical history of cardiovascular risk factors or disease (hypertension, dislypidemia, diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral arteriopathy) in 7,202 patients attending Primary Care Centers. 47.3% were males, mean age 60,6 +/- 14,3 years, BMI 28.2 +/- 5.3, with 27,6% overweight (27-30 kg/m2) and 32,1% obese (BMI>or=30 kg/m2), The prevalence of cardiovascular risks factors were: absence in 17.3%, one factor 26.9% two 31.2%, and 23.6% presented three or more The frequency of CV risk factors was: hypertension (66.7%), dyslipidemia (48%) and diabetes (31.5%). Congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease frequency was lower than 10% The prevalence of eGFR < 60 ml/min x 1.73 m2 was: stage 3 (30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2) 19.7%; stage 4 (15-29 ml/min/1.73 m2) 1.2%; stage 5 no dialysis (GFR < 15 ml/min) 0.4%. This prevalence increased with age in both sexes and 33,7% of patients attending Primary Care services over 70 years presented a eGFR < 60 ml/min. Of the total patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min 37.3% had normal serum creatinine levels. This study documents the substantial prevalence of significantly abnormal renal function among patients at Primary Care level. Early identification and appropriate nephrological management of these patients with renal disease is an important opportunity for an adequate prescription of drugs that interfere with renal function, to delay the progression of renal disease and modify CV risk factors.

Prevalencia de insuficiencia renal en Centros de Atención Primaria en España: Estudio EROCAP / CKD stages 3-5 in primary care population in Spain: EROCAP study

La prevalencia de la insuficiencia renal en pacientes que acuden a los Centros de Atención Primaria (CAPs) es desconocida en España. Presentamos un estudio epidemiológico transversal y multicéntrico en una población adulta (mayor de 18 años) que acude a los CAPs en España. Para clasificar a los pacientes según los estadios NFK-KDOQI (The National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) se estimó el filtrado glomerular mediante la ecuación de MDRD. Se recogieron los datos de creatinina sérica, otros índices de laboratorio, presión arterial e historia médica de factores de riesgo cardiovascular (HTA, dislipemia, diabetes, insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, enfermedad coronaria, ACVA o arteriopatía periférica) en 7.202 pacientes. El 47,3% fueron varones, edad media de 60,6 ± 14,3 años; IMC 28,2 ± 5,3; con un 27,6% de sobrepeso (27-30 kg/m2) y un 32,1% de obesidad (IMC mayor o igual a 30 kg/m2). La prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular fue: ausencia en el 17,3%, un factor en el 26,9%, dos en 31,2% y tres o más en el 23,6%. La frecuencia se distribuyó en: hipertensión en el 66,7%, dislipemia 48%, diabetes 31,5%. La presencia de trastornos clínicos asociados (Insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, enfermedad coronaria, ACVA o arteriopatía periférica) fue inferior al 10%. La prevalencia de un filtrado glomerular estimado (eFG) inferior a 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 fue: estadio 3 (FGe 30-59 ml/min/1,73 m2) 19,7%; estadio 4 (15-29 ml/min/1,73 m2) 1,2%; estadio 5 no en diálisis (eFG < 15 ml/min) 0,4%. Esta prevalencia aumentó con la edad en ambos sexos y el 33,7% de los pacientes que acudieron a los CAPs mayores de 70 años presentaron un eFG < 60 ml/min/1,73 m2. Del total de pacientes con eFG inferior a 60 ml/min 37,3% tuvieron unos niveles normales de creatinina sérica. Este estudio documenta la prevalencia importante de alteraciones significativas de la función renal en pacientes que acuden a las consultas de atención primaria. Es importante una identificación temprana y un cuidado nefrológico apropiado en estos pacientes con la finalidad de evitar la prescripción de drogas que interfieren con la función renal, retrasar la progresión de la enfermedad renal y especialmente modificar los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares asociados

This cross-sectional, multicenter study investigated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated disorders, in an adult population sample (> 18 years old) attending Primary Care services in Spain. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (Modification Diet in Renal Disease equation) was used for analysis of kidney disease prevalence according to NFK-KDOQI (The National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) stages. Data were collected on serum creatinine, other laboratory parameters blood pressure, and medical history of cardiovascular risk factors or disease (hypertension, dislypidemia, diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disesase, stroke or peripheral arteriopathy) in 7,202 patients attending Primary Care Centers. 47.3% were males, mean age 60,6 ± 14,3 years, BMI 28.2 ± 5.3, with 27,6% overweight (27-30 kg/m2) and 32,1% obese (BMI �� 30 kg/m2), The prevalence of cardiovascular risks factors were: absence in 17.3%, one factor 26.9% two 31.2%, and 23.6% presented three or more The frequency of CV risk factors was: hypertension (66.7%), dyslipidemia (48%) and diabetes (31.5%). Congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease frequency was lower than 10% The prevalence of eGFR < 60 ml/min × 1.73 m2 was: stage 3 (30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2) 19.7%; stage 4 (15-29 ml/min/1.73 m2) 1.2%; stage 5 no dialysis (GFR < 15 ml/min) 0.4%. This prevalence increased with age in both sexes and 33,7% of patients attending Primary Care services over 70 years presented a eGFR < 60 ml/min. Of the total patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min 37.3% had normal serum creatinine levels. This study documents the substantial prevalence of significantly abnormal renal function among patients at Primary Care level. Early identification and appropriate nephrological management of these patients with renal disease is an important opportunity for an adequate prescription of drugs that interfere with renal function, to delay the progression of renal disease and modify CV risk factors

Smoking, polyuria and impaired vision.

The pituitary gland can be involved in a variety of medical conditions, including metastatic tumors. Metastases to the pituitary gland, although absolutely rare, more commonly affect the posterior pituitary lobe and so frequently present with diabetes insipidus. We report on a 48-year-old male heavy smoker patient suffering from sudden onset of polyuria and persistent thirst. Laboratory results revealed central diabetes insipidus. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a mass located in the sella turcica and in the suprasellar region. CT scan of the chest showed a mass in the right superior lobe with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, with bronchoscopy and biopsy features of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The patient received radiotherapy on the pituitary gland and adjuvant chemotherapy, and as intrasellar and suprasellar mass decreased in size, urinary output was accordingly reduced. Therefore, is that in patients with risk factors for cancer and sudden onset of diabetes insipidus pituitary metastasis should be taken into account in differential diagnosis.

Azygos arch cannulation by central venous catheters for hemodialysis.

Cannulation of central veins and placement of catheters for temporary haemodialysis is a common procedure in the management of patients with end stage renal failure. The internal jugular vein is the site of choice for central venous catheter placement, being associated with the lowest complication rate. This procedure can be associated with a variety of malpositions of the catheter and rarely, can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality, if this is not recognised and corrected early. For anatomical reasons, the risk of azygos arch cannulation is substantially increased if catheters are inserted via left-sided veins. We report a case with a rare complication associated with the insertion of a catheter for temporary haemodialysis.

¿Deben ser considerados los diuréticos como fármacos de uso prácticamente exclusivo en el tratamiento inicial del hipertenso? / Should diuretics effectively be considered exclusive initial treatment in hypertensive patients?

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Blood pressure measurement in an ambulatory setting: concordance between physician and patient self-measurement.

The aim of this study was to determine concordance between physician and patient blood pressure (BP) measurements in an ambulatory setting. A diagnostic intervention cross-sectional study using a convenience sample was employed. A total of 106 hypertensive patients were included in the study. Patients who were unable to perform their self-measurement or those with cardiac arrhythmia were excluded. BP was determined nine times in each subject in the medical office in a randomised order: BP was taken three times by the physician using a mercury sphygmomanometer (SPH-Hg), three times by the physician using a validated, automated oscillometer (Omron HEM 705 CP), and three times by the patient himself with the same device. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. In all, 59 women and 47 men aged 65.7 (10) years were analysed. Mean BP measurements for the physician using the mercury sphygmomanometer, the physician using the Omron, and the patient using the same device were: 136 (15.8)/80 (11), 137 (17.9)/80 (10), and 139* (17.6)/80 (10) mmHg, respectively. BP control was 48.1, 48.1, and 36.8*% (*P < 0.05), respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients for systolic/diastolic pressures were: 0.77/0.65 (physician-sphygmomanometer Hg, physician-Omron; P < 0.001), 0.75/0.64 (physician-sphygmomanometer Hg, patient-Omron, P < 0.001), and 0.83/0.83 (physician-Omron, patient-Omron; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the three types of measurement in the medical office were significantly concordant. Patient office self-measurement showed a tendency to increase systolic BP and worsen BP control.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of two sequences of gemcitabine and docetaxel administered weekly to patients with advanced cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and effect of drug sequence on toxicities and pharmacokinetics of the combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel. METHODS: A total of 34 patients with advanced cancers were treated with gemcitabine and docetaxel on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle according to the following dose escalation schedule: level 1, 800 and 30 mg/m2, respectively; level 2, 800 and 40 mg/m2; level 3, 1,000 and 40 mg/m2; and level 4, 1,250 and 40 mg/m2. At each dose level, at least three patients were assigned to one of the two sequences of drug administration: gemcitabine-->docetaxel or docetaxel-->gemcitabine. Once the MTD had been reached, six additional patients, who had received no more than one chemotherapy regimen, were enrolled to dose levels 3 and 4 (gemcitabine-->docetaxel) to determine the MTD in minimally pretreated patients. RESULTS: Neutropenia was the most frequent DLT with an overall incidence of 23.5%. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 62% of patients (8/13) who had received two or more prior chemotherapy regimens, but not at all (0/15) in patients who had received no more than one prior chemotherapy regimens (P< 0.001). Additional DLTs included grade 4 diarrhea and grade 4 stomatitis in one patient each. The MTD was determined to be gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and docetaxel 40 mg/m2 in patients who had received two or more prior chemotherapy regimens. However, minimally pretreated patients (no more than one prior chemotherapy regimen) were able to tolerate higher doses with an MTD of gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 and docetaxel 40 mg/m2. There were no significant differences in toxicities or pharmacokinetics between the two sequences of administration. Partial and minor responses were observed in 23.5% of patients: non-small-cell lung (two of eight), gastric (two of three), head and neck (one of two), bladder (two of four) and hepatocellular cancer (one of one). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel administered on days 1 and 8 every 21 days was feasible and well tolerated in patients with advanced malignancies. The sequence of administration had no significant effect on the toxicity or pharmacokinetics of either drug. Minimally pretreated patients tolerated higher doses of this combination without significant toxicities. This schedule and combination demonstrated activity in a variety of solid tumors, and merits further evaluation.