Exactitud y concordancia entre glucómetros: un estudio en condiciones habituales de práctica clínica / Accuracy and reliability between glucose meters: a study under normal clinical practice conditions

Introducción. Los glucómetros demuestran habitualmente una gran exactitud, y en la práctica, la glucemia capilar y la glucemia plasmática (GP) son utilizadas indistintamente. Sin embargo, numerosas variables pueden afectar la validez de estos aparatos. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la exactitud y la concordancia de 3 glucómetros utilizados en las consultas de un EAP. Material y métodos. De 59 participantes se obtuvieron una muestra de sangre venosa y una gota de sangre capilar, que fue analizada en 3 glucómetros: 2 FreeStyle® Optium (OP1 y OP2) y un Accu-Chek® Aviva. El valor de referencia fue la GP y fueron analizados asimismo el hematocrito y los niveles plasmáticos de urea, bilirrubina, ácido úrico y triglicéridos. Se utilizaron la regresión de Passing-Bablok para la exactitud, y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase y el método Bland-Altman para la concordancia. Se ha considerado el estándar actual (American Diabetes Association) de un error tolerado de±5%. Resultados. La diferencia de medias±desviación estándar (mg/dL) y el error sistemático fueron: 5,8±7 y 5,8% (OP1); 6,2±8 y 5,9% (OP2); 8,3±8 y 6,3% (Accu-Chek®). El par más concordante fue OP1/OP2, con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase=0,97, sesgo=−0,4mg/dL y una amplitud de los límites de acuerdo con el 95%=28,6mg/dL. Se observaron los mayores grados de exactitud y de concordancia en rangos glucémicos elevados (GP≥126mg/dL). Conclusiones. Aunque mostraron una diferencia de medias clínicamente aceptable respecto a la GP, los 3 glucómetros incumplieron el estándar actual de la American Diabetes Association. Es recomendable la realización periódica de controles de calidad de estos dispositivos (AU)

Introduction. The glucose meters usually show a high accuracy, and in clinical practice, capillary and plasma glucose (PG) are used interchangeably. However, many variables can affect the validity of these devices. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of 3 glucose meters that are currently used in a primary care centre. Material and methods. A sample of venous blood and a drop of capillary blood were obtained from 59 participants. The drop was analysed in 3 glucose meters: 2 FreeStyle® Optium (OP1 and OP2), and one Accu-Chek® Aviva. The PG acted as the reference value, and the haematocrit and plasma levels of urea, bilirubin, uric acid and triglycerides were also analysed. We used the Passing-Bablok regression for accuracy and the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman method for reliability. The current American Diabetes Association standard of a total error of±5% was applied. Results. Differences in mean±standard deviation (mg/dL) and the systematic error were 5.8±7 and 5.8% (OP1); 6.2±8 and 5.9% (OP2); 8.3±8 and 6.3% (Accu-Chek®). The OP1/OP2 pair showed the highest level of reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient=0.97, bias=−0.4mg/dL, and a width of the 95% limits of agreement of 28.6mg/dL. The highest levels of accuracy and reliability were observed in high glucose ranges (PG≥126mg/dL). Conclusions. Despite their clinically acceptable mean difference compared to the PG, the 3 glucose meters did not fulfill the current American Diabetes Association standard. The regular performance of quality control tests of these devices is recommended (AU)

[Accuracy and reliability between glucose meters: A study under normal clinical practice conditions]. / Exactitud y concordancia entre glucómetros: un estudio en condiciones habituales de práctica clínica.

INTRODUCTION: The glucose meters usually show a high accuracy, and in clinical practice, capillary and plasma glucose (PG) are used interchangeably. However, many variables can affect the validity of these devices. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of 3 glucose meters that are currently used in a primary care centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of venous blood and a drop of capillary blood were obtained from 59 participants. The drop was analysed in 3 glucose meters: 2 FreeStyle® Optium (OP1 and OP2), and one Accu-Chek® Aviva. The PG acted as the reference value, and the haematocrit and plasma levels of urea, bilirubin, uric acid and triglycerides were also analysed. We used the Passing-Bablok regression for accuracy and the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman method for reliability. The current American Diabetes Association standard of a total error of±5% was applied. RESULTS: Differences in mean±standard deviation (mg/dL) and the systematic error were 5.8±7 and 5.8% (OP1); 6.2±8 and 5.9% (OP2); 8.3±8 and 6.3% (Accu-Chek®). The OP1/OP2 pair showed the highest level of reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient=0.97, bias=-0.4mg/dL, and a width of the 95% limits of agreement of 28.6mg/dL. The highest levels of accuracy and reliability were observed in high glucose ranges (PG≥126mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Despite their clinically acceptable mean difference compared to the PG, the 3 glucose meters did not fulfill the current American Diabetes Association standard. The regular performance of quality control tests of these devices is recommended.

Fiabilidad en la evaluación radiológica de la calcificación aórtica abdominal mediante la escala de 24 puntos / Reliability of radiologic evaluation of abdominal aortic calcification using the 24-point scale

Objetivo. La calcificación de la aorta abdominal se asocia a un incremento en el riesgo de morbilidad cardiovascular, y disponer de un método de cuantificación de la misma es clínicamente trascendente. La escala de 24 puntos (AAC-24) es el método estándar para su evaluación en la radiología simple lateral de columna lumbar. El objetivo del estudio ha sido conocer el nivel de acuerdo intra e interobservador que aporta esta escala, teniendo en cuenta la heterogeneidad de la distribución de las calcificaciones en el diseño del análisis estadístico. Material y métodos. Se analizó la concordancia intraobservador (sobre radiografías de 81 pacientes, con una separación de 4 años) y la concordancia interobservador (sobre radiografías de 100 pacientes, con tres evaluadores), utilizando simultáneamente la correlación intraclase y el método gráfico de Bland-Altman. Resultados. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0,93 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC95%]: 0,6-0,9) y 0,91 (IC95%: 0,8-0,9), intra e interobservador, respectivamente, con un incremento del coeficiente en el tercil de mayor discrepancia. La diferencia de medias osciló entre 0,3 y-1,2 puntos. La amplitud entre los límites de acuerdo, entre 4,7 y 9,4 puntos. Se observó un aumento significativo de las diferencias en relación con el aumento progresivo de la calcificación. Conclusiones. La valoración de la calcificación de la aorta abdominal en radiología simple lateral de columna lumbar mediante la escala AAC-24 es un método fiable y reproducible, observándose un mayor grado de concordancia intra e interobservador en las fases iniciales de la calcificación (AU)

Objective. Calcification of the abdominal aorta is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, so a reliable method to quantify it is clinically transcendent. The 24-point scale (AAC-24) is the standard method for assessing abdominal aortic calcification on lateral plain films of the lumbar spine. The aim of this study was to determine the intraobserver and interobserver agreements for the AAC-24, taking into account the heterogeneity of the distribution of the calcifications in the design of the statistical analysis. Material and methods. We analyzed the intraobserver agreement (in plain films from 81 patients, with a four-year separation between observations) and the interobserver agreement (in plain films from 100 patients, with three observers), using both intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots. Results. The intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 0.6-0.9), and the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (CI95%: 0.8-0.9) with an increase in the coefficient in the tercile with the greatest discrepancy. The difference in means ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 points, and the distance between the limits of agreement ranged from 4.7 to 9.4 points. These differences increased significantly as the calcification progressed. Conclusions. Using the AAC-24 on lateral plain films of the lumbar spine is a reliable and reproducible method of assessing calcification of the abdominal aorta; both intraobserver and interobserver agreement are higher during the initial phases of calcification (AU)

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium intake, and bone mineral density in Spanish adults.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D-25(OH)D-status in Spanish adult subjects and to analyze its relationships with serum PTH levels, calcium intake, and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: A total of 1811 individuals (1154 postmenopausal women and 657 men) aged 44-93 years participated in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. BMD was determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were below 10, 20, and 30 ng/ml in 5, 40, and 83 % of participants, respectively. There was a significant seasonal difference in mean serum 25(OH)D, with higher levels in summer-autumn. In multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with age, serum PTH and creatinine, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, and a number of chronic diseases, but positively with dairy calcium intake. The magnitude of the difference in serum PTH according to 25(OH)D quartiles was not influenced by calcium intake. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml was observed for serum PTH and hip BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. Programs to improve vitamin D status may be required in our country.

Reliability of radiologic evaluation of abdominal aortic calcification using the 24-point scale.

OBJECTIVE: Calcification of the abdominal aorta is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, so a reliable method to quantify it is clinically transcendent. The 24-point scale (AAC-24) is the standard method for assessing abdominal aortic calcification on lateral plain films of the lumbar spine. The aim of this study was to determine the intraobserver and interobserver agreements for the AAC-24, taking into account the heterogeneity of the distribution of the calcifications in the design of the statistical analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the intraobserver agreement (in plain films from 81 patients, with a four-year separation between observations) and the interobserver agreement (in plain films from 100 patients, with three observers), using both intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 0.6-0.9), and the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (CI95%: 0.8-0.9) with an increase in the coefficient in the tercile with the greatest discrepancy. The difference in means ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 points, and the distance between the limits of agreement ranged from 4.7 to 9.4 points. These differences increased significantly as the calcification progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Using the AAC-24 on lateral plain films of the lumbar spine is a reliable and reproducible method of assessing calcification of the abdominal aorta; both intraobserver and interobserver agreement are higher during the initial phases of calcification.

Comparación de resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento del dolor miofascial de la cintura pélvica con toxina botulínica sola y asociada con lidocaína / Comparison of results obtained in the treatment of the myofascial pain of the pelvic girdle with botulinum toxin alone and associated with lidocaine

Objetivos: entre el 70 y el 85 % de la población adulta sufre de dolor de espalda alguna vez en su vida. El síndrome de dolor miofascial (SDM) ha sido descrito recientemente definiéndose como dolor musculoesquelético no inflamatorio, localizado, desarrollado sin causa aparente, refractario a tratamientos farmacológicos y físicos, y se acompaña de la presencia de puntos gatillos y de bandas tensas palpables en el músculo. Su prevalencia se estima que varía entre un 30 y un 85 %. Los músculos psoas, cuadrado lumbar y piramidal son los más frecuentemente implicados en el SDM de cintura pélvica. Una de las principales alternativas para tratar el SDM es la toxina botulínica tipo A (TB), que actúa en la membrana sináptica en la placa neuromuscular, inhibiendo la liberación de acetilcolina, produciendo relajación muscular y alivio del dolor, aunque, en muchas ocasiones, su efecto no se hace evidente hasta transcurridos varios días. La lidocaína es un anestésico local (AL) tipo amida con duración de acción intermedia que actúa impidiendo la propagación del impulso nervioso disminuyendo la permeabilidad de los canales de sodio. El objetivo de este estudio era comprobar si al añadir AL a ladosis de TB, conseguíamos un acortamiento en el tiempo dela reducción de la EVA y mejoría de la calidad de vida. Material y métodos: el diseño del estudio fue prospectivo, controlado, longitudinal y aleatorizado en el que se ha valorado la evolución de 20 pacientes divididos en dos grupos. Al primer grupo se les administró TB tipo A (grupo T). Al segundo grupo se les trató con TB tipo A y dosis adicional de lidocaína al 2% (grupo TL). Previamente, ambos grupos, habían respondido de forma positiva a un test con infiltración del músculo afecto con lidocaína al 2 %. El seguimiento de los pacientes se hizo secuencialmente a los 3, 7, 15 y 90 días de iniciado el tratamiento. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó un análisis de la varianza, ANOVA, complementada por la prueba de Mauchly para comprobación de la esfericidad y la prueba de Greenhouse-Geisser, con un intervalo de confianza del 95 %, considerando una p<0,05 para establecer diferencias estadísticas. Resultados: hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la EVA del grupo TL Y TB en la valoración a los tres días, del mismo modo en la evaluación del índice de Lattinen. No hubo diferencias significativas en el resto de valoraciones. En ambos grupos hubo diferencia significativa en la reducción del EVA y mejoría del índice de Lattinen, al principio y final del estudio. Conclusiones: la TXB-A presenta una alternativa al tratamiento de este cuadro cuando la terapia conservadora ha fracasado. Los anestésicos locales producen una relajación previsible, breve y reversible de la musculatura provocada por el bloqueo de la conducción nerviosa en las terminaciones nerviosas, mientras que la TXB actúa en las terminaciones neuronales de la placa motora, impidiendo la liberación de la acetil colina. Su acción la ejercen en lugares distintos y con características diferentes. La acción de los anestésicos locales es casi instantánea y breve, la de la TXB es diferida y duradera en el tiempo, por lo que pueden ser complementarias y agonistas en su efecto final

Objectives: between 70 and 85 % of the adult population suffers from back pain sometime in their life. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) has been described recently and defined as a localized non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain, developed without apparent cause, being refractory to pharmacological and physical treatments, and is accompanied by the presence of trigger points and palpable taut bands in the muscle. Its prevalence is estimated to vary between 30 and 85 %. The psoas, quadratus lumborum and pyramidal muscles are the most frequently involved in the pelvic girdle MPS. One of the main alternatives to treat MPS is botulinum toxin type A (BT), which acts in the synaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, producing muscle relaxation and pain relief, although in many cases its effect is not evident until several days have passed. Lidocaine is an amide type local anesthetic with an intermediate duration of action, which act by preventing the propagation of nerve impulses by decreasing the permeability of sodium channels. The objective of this study was to test whether adding LA to the BT dose, we got a shortening in the time of the reduction of EVA and improvement in quality of life. Material and methods: the study design was prospective, controlled, longitudinal and randomized in which we have evaluated the evolution of 20 patients randomly divided into two groups. The first group were given BT A type (group T). The second group was treated with BT A type and an additional dose of 2 % lidocaine (group TL). Previously, both groups had responded positively to a test with lidocaine 2 % infiltration of the affected muscle. Monitoring patients was sequentially to 3, 7, 15 and 90 days of treatment performed. For statistical analysis we used an analysis of variance, ANOVA, complemented by Mauchly test for sphericity check and by Greenhouse-Geisser test, with a confidence interval of 95 %, considering p < 0.05 to establish statistical differences. Results: there was statistically significant difference between group EVA TL and TB in the assessment on the third day, just as in the evaluation of Lattinen Index. No significant differences in the other reviews. In both groups there was significant difference in EVA reduction and Lattinen Index improvement at the beginning and end of the study. Conclusions: BT-A presents an alternative to the management of this condition when conservative therapy has failed. Local anesthetics cause a predictable, short and reversible muscle relaxation caused by blocking nerve conduction in nerve endings, while BT acts on the neuronal endings of the motor plate, preventing the release of acetylcholine. Its action is exercised in different places and with different characteristics. The action of local anesthetics is almost instantaneous and short, the TXB action is delayed and long lasting, so both can be complementary and agonists in their final effect

[Comparative study of 3 techniques for total intravenous anesthesia: midazolam-ketamine, propofol-ketamine, and propofol-fentanyl]. / Estudio comparativo de tres técnicas de anestesia total intravenosa: midazolam-ketamina, propofol-ketamina y propofol-fentanilo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of induction, maintenance and awakening for three techniques of combined total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA): propofol-ketamine, midazolam-ketamine and propofol-fentanyl. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to three TIVA groups. Group 1 (n = 20) received midazolam, ketamine and vecuronium. Group 2 (n = 20) received propofol, ketamine and vecuronium. Group 3 (n = 20) received propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium. The variables compared were hemodynamic changes during induction and maintenance and upon awakening; time until awakening; and the incidence of postanesthetic complications. We also assessed whether propofol was better than midazolam at preventing the psychomimetic effects of ketamine. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the three groups were similar. Hemodynamic variables were most stable in group 2. Perfusion of midazolam-ketamine was accompanied by a significantly higher number of hypertensive peaks. Time to awakening was significantly shorter in Group I (11.8 +/- 5 min) than in group 2 (20.2 +/- 12.5 min); in group 2 time to awakening was 16.6 +/- 5.6 min. Eight patients in group 1, 5 in group 2 and 1 in group 3 reported having bad dreams, the difference between groups 1 and 3 reaching statistical significance. No patient experienced hallucinations and all reported satisfaction with the anesthetic technique used. CONCLUSIONS: TIVA with ketamine and propofol is comparable to the most commonly used combination of propofol and fentanyl and may be an appropriate choice when hemodynamic stability is of great importance; withdrawal 15 min before ending surgery prevents prolonged awakening. Perfusion of midazolam-ketamine is not recommendable for scheduled surgery because it induces too many hypertensive peaks. Although neither midazolam nor propofol completely prevents the psychomimetic effects of ketamine, such effects are not so severe that patients reject the anesthetic technique used.

[Nasal ketamine compared with nasal midazolam in premedication in pediatrics]. / Comparación de la ketamina con el midazolam por vía nasal en la premedicación en pediatría.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and side effects of midazolam and ketamine administered nasally for pediatric premedication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double blind trial 60 children scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned to two groups to receive 0.25 mg.kg or 5 mg.kg nasal ketamine. We measured level of acceptance of medication, sedation, hemodynamic variables, reaction to separation from parents, side effects and time until recovery from anesthesia. RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneous. Acceptance of medication was good or adequate in all patients. The level of sedation was significant in both groups 10 min after premedication. Systolic arterial pressure was higher in the ketamine group 20 min after administration of the drug and upon arrival in the operating theater. Reaction to separation from parents was good in all groups. Secretions were higher in the ketamine group and hallucinations were experienced by three patients in the ketamine group and by two in the midazolam group. We found no difference in time until spontaneous eye opening after surgery. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The nasal route is adequately accepted by children. Both drugs are effective by this route and sedation is rapid. Time until postanesthetic recovery is similar with both drugs. The doses used have wide safety margins.

[Gas embolism secondary to intraoperative use of hydrogen peroxide]. / Embolismo gaseoso secundario al uso intraoperatorio de peróxido de hidrógeno.

Hydrogen peroxide solution (H2O2) is used to irrigate and clean wounds. When applied to tissue hydrogen peroxide decomposes rapidly as a result of the action of catalases, releasing oxygen in the process. High pressure irrigation of the washing of closed cavities can cause serious complications. We report a case of gas embolism arising from the use of hydrogen peroxide during surgery for hydatidosis of the liver. A 64-year-old woman underwent surgery for removal of a hydatid cyst of the liver. When pressurized injection of 10 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide was applied to the cystic cavity, cardiac arrhythmias were observed, a long with decreased PetCO2, hypotension and a "water mill" heart murmur. Gas embolism was suspected and treatment was instated immediately. Clinical course was good and without complications. We wish to warn against the potential dangers of using peroxide during surgery and of the importance of capnography for early diagnosis of gas embolism.

[Compromized postadenoidectomy respiration in a child with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Compromiso respiratorio postadenoidectomía en un niño con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño.

A two-year-old boy with a history of slow growth, snoring during sleep and adenoid hypertrophy underwent adenoidectomy and transtympanic drainage under general anesthesia. Immediately after extubation, severe inspiratory stridor and shallow labored breathing began and persisted over a period of two hours, in spite of corticoid administration and oxygen therapy. The signs receded partially when the patient was seated and with a mandibular traction maneuver. As symptoms persisted, foreign body obstruction was ruled out by examination of the cavum and upper airway under general anesthesia and with orotracheal intubation. The patient was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit, where he remained intubated for 18 hours. After extubation, stridor and shallow labored breathing reappeared but gradually receded as the residual effects of sedation disappeared. The parents mentioned symptoms suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) occurring since the boy was 6 months old and that had worsened in recent months. OSAS in children is characterized by intermittent obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, causing snoring and periods of apnea/hypopnea that lead to hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The most frequent cause is hypertrophy of the adenoid and tonsils, and the treatment of choice is adenotonsillectomy, although the risk of postoperative respiratory distress in such children is high. It is important to rule out OSAS in children who are candidates for adenotonsillectomy so that such patients are not scheduled for ambulatory surgery, but rather given adequate postoperative monitoring and treatment.

[Hemodynamic response to intubation with Macintosh and McCoy blades]. / Respuesta hemodinámica a la intubación con las palas de Macintosh y McCoy.

INTRODUCTION: The McCoy laryngoscope incorporates a modification of the Macintosh blade designed to facilitate laryngoscopy and difficult intubation. One end is articulated to allow better viewing of the larynx. Use of this blade reduces pressure placed on tissues in the supraglottic area during laryngoscopy. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study to compare the hemodynamic repercussions of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation (LTI) performed with either a Macintosh or the McCoy blade. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Sixty ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring LTI were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 30 patients each. In both groups anesthetic induction was achieved with 0.04 mg.kg-1 midazolam, 0.002 mg.kg-1 fentanyl, 2 mg.kg-1 propofol and 0.1 mg.kg-1 vecuronium. In group 1 LTI laryngoscopy and intubation were performed using the Macintosh size 3 blade and in group 2 the McCoy size 3 blade was used. Systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and heart rate were recorded in each patient before anesthetic induction (baseline), 1 minute after induction and 5 minutes after start of LTI. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between the 2 groups at any of the recording times. CONCLUSION: The data obtained do not allow us to assert that there is any difference in hemodynamic response to LTI associated to type of blade used.