Quality control of the surveillance programme of ICU-acquired infection (ENVIN-HELICS registry) in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Data validation is an essential aspect for the accuracy of a nosocomial infection surveillance registry. AIM: To report the results of the first quality control programme in the national surveillance programme of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infection in Spain (ENVIN-HELICS registry). METHOD: During 2008, of 13,824 records included in the database, 1500 (10.8%) registries from 20 ICUs were reviewed. These ICUs were selected at random and stratified according to the number of cases included in the registry. The proportion of infected patients, which was 9.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.09-11.16], was maintained during the selection of cases for review. Two physicians were trained for the purpose of the study and undertook the review. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the ENVIN-HELICS registry for the identification of patients with any device-related infection acquired during their ICU stay were 86.0% (95% CI 80.0-92.0), 98.7% (95% CI 82.19-93.6), 87.9% (95% CI 82.19-93.6) and 98.5% (95% CI 97.8-99.2), respectively, with a kappa index of 0.85 (95% CI 0.79-0.92). Secondary bloodstream infection had the lowest sensitivity (59.3%), and intubation-associated pneumonia had the highest sensitivity (86.3%). CONCLUSION: There was good correlation between data reported by the registrars and data validated by auditors, confirming the reliability of the ENVIN-HELICS registry.

Urethral catheter-related urinary infection in critical patients admitted to the ICU. Descriptive data of the ENVIN-UCI study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in national catheter-related urinary tract infection (CRUTI) rates, as well as etiologies and multiresistance markers. DESIGN: An observational, prospective, multicenter voluntary participation study was conducted from 1 April to 30 June in the period between 2005 and 2010. SETTING: Intensive Care Units (ICUs) that participated in the ENVIN-ICU registry during the study period. PATIENTS: We included all patients admitted to the participating ICUs and patients with urinary catheter placement for more than 24 hours (78,863 patients). INTERVENTION: Patient monitoring was continued until discharge from the ICU or up to 60 days. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: CRUTIs were defined according to the CDC system, and frequency is expressed as incidence density (ID) in relation to the number of urinary catheter-patients days. RESULTS: A total of 2329 patients (2.95%) developed one or more CRUTI. The ID decreased from 6.69 to 4.18 episodes per 1000 days of urinary catheter between 2005 and 2010 (p<0.001). In relation to the underlying etiology, gramnegative bacilli predominated (55.6 to 61.6%), followed by fungi (18.7 to 25.2%) and grampositive cocci (17.1 to 25.9%). In 2010, ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli strains (37.1%) increased, as well as imipenem-resistant (36.4%) and ciprofloxacin-resistant (37.1%) strains of P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease was observed in CRUTI rates, maintaining the same etiological distribution and showing increased resistances in gramnegative pathogens, especially E. coli and P. aeruginosa.

[Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Work Group (GTEI) of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) and the Infections in Critically Ill Patients Study Group (GEIPC) of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza A/H1N1 in seriously ill adults admitted to the Intensive Care Unit]. / Recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo Enfermedades Infecciosas (GTEI) de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) y el Grupo de Estudio de Infecciones en el Paciente Crítico (GEIPC) de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología clínica (SEIMC) para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la gripe A/H1N1 en pacientes adultos graves hospitalizados en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos.

The diagnosis of influenza A/H1N1 is mainly clinical, particularly during peak or seasonal flu outbreaks. A diagnostic test should be performed in all patients with fever and flu symptoms that require hospitalization. The respiratory sample (nasal or pharyngeal exudate or deeper sample in intubated patients) should be obtained as soon as possible, with the immediate start of empirical antiviral treatment. Molecular methods based on nucleic acid amplification techniques (RT-PCR) are the gold standard for the diagnosis of influenza A/H1N1. Immunochromatographic methods have low sensitivity; a negative result therefore does not rule out active infection. Classical culture is slow and has low sensitivity. Direct immunofluorescence offers a sensitivity of 90%, but requires a sample of high quality. Indirect methods for detecting antibodies are only of epidemiological interest. Patients with A/H1N1 flu may have relative leukopenia and elevated serum levels of LDH, CPK and CRP, but none of these variables are independently associated to the prognosis. However, plasma LDH> 1500 IU/L, and the presence of thrombocytopenia <150 x 10(9)/L, could define a patient population at risk of suffering serious complications. Antiviral administration (oseltamivir) should start early (<48 h from the onset of symptoms), with a dose of 75 mg every 12h, and with a duration of at least 7 days or until clinical improvement is observed. Early antiviral administration is associated to improved survival in critically ill patients. New antiviral drugs, especially those formulated for intravenous administration, may be the best choice in future epidemics. Patients with a high suspicion of influenza A/H1N1 infection must continue with antiviral treatment, regardless of the negative results of initial tests, unless an alternative diagnosis can be established or clinical criteria suggest a low probability of influenza. In patients with influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia, empirical antibiotic therapy should be provided due to the possibility of bacterial coinfection. A beta-lactam plus a macrolide should be administered as soon as possible. The microbiological findings and clinical or laboratory test variables may decide withdrawal or not of antibiotic treatment. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure in the population at risk of suffering severe complications. Although the use of moderate- or low-dose corticosteroids has been proposed for the treatment of influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia, the existing scientific evidence is not sufficient to recommend the use of corticosteroids in these patients. The treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with influenza A/H1N1 must be based on the use of a protective ventilatory strategy (tidal volume <10 ml / kg and plateau pressure <35 mmHg) and positive end-expiratory pressure set to high patient lung mechanics, combined with the use of prone ventilation, muscle relaxation and recruitment maneuvers. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation cannot be considered a technique of choice in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, though it may be useful in experienced centers and in cases of respiratory failure associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or heart failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a rescue technique in refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome due to influenza A/H1N1 infection. The scientific evidence is weak, however, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is not the technique of choice. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation will be advisable if all other options have failed to improve oxygenation. The centralization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in referral hospitals is recommended. Clinical findings show 50-60% survival rates in patients treated with this technique. Cardiovascular complications of influenza A/H1N1 are common. Such problems may appear due to the deterioration of pre-existing cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, ischemic heart disease and right ventricular dysfunction. Early diagnosis and adequate monitoring allow the start of effective treatment, and in severe cases help decide the use of circulatory support systems. Influenza vaccination is recommended for all patients at risk. This indication in turn could be extended to all subjects over 6 months of age, unless contraindicated. Children should receive two doses (one per month). Immunocompromised patients and the population at risk should receive one dose and another dose annually. The frequency of adverse effects of the vaccine against A/H1N1 flu is similar to that of seasonal flu. Chemoprophylaxis must always be considered a supplement to vaccination, and is indicated in people at high risk of complications, as well in healthcare personnel who have been exposed.

Multirresistencia antibiótica en unidades de críticos / Antibiotic multiresistance in critical care units

La presencia de microorganismos con resistencia adquirida a múltiples antibióticos complica el manejo y la evolución de los pacientes críticos. El intensivista, en su actividad diaria, se enfrenta a este problema desde la responsabilidad de la prevención y control y desde el reto de prescribir el tratamiento antibiótico apropiado ante una posible infección. Se realiza una revisión de la bibliografía en lo concerniente a definición, conceptos importantes relacionados con la transmisión, recomendaciones sobre medidas generales de control en las unidades y opciones de tratamiento. Además se presentan datos epidemiológicos sobre la situación en nuestro país obtenidos, fundamentalmente, a través del ENVIN-UCI. El abordaje de la multirresistencia antibiótica requiere formación adecuada, trabajo en equipo con otros profesionales y conocimiento de la epidemiología local (AU)

The presence of microorganisms with acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics complicates the management and outcome of critically ill patients. The intensivist, in his/her daily activity, is responsible for the prevention and control of the multiresistance and the challenge of prescribing the appropriate treatment in case of an infection by these microorganisms. We have reviewed the literature regarding the definition, important concepts related to transmission, recommendations on general measures of control in the units and treatment options. We also present data on the situation in our country known primarily through the ENVIN-UCI register. Addressing the multiresistance not only requires training but also teamwork with other specialists and adaptation to the local environment (AU)

[Antibiotic multiresistance in critical care units]. / Multirresistencia antibiótica en unidades de críticos.

The presence of microorganisms with acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics complicates the management and outcome of critically ill patients. The intensivist, in his/her daily activity, is responsible for the prevention and control of the multiresistance and the challenge of prescribing the appropriate treatment in case of an infection by these microorganisms. We have reviewed the literature regarding the definition, important concepts related to transmission, recommendations on general measures of control in the units and treatment options. We also present data on the situation in our country known primarily through the ENVIN-UCI register. Addressing the multiresistance not only requires training but also teamwork with other specialists and adaptation to the local environment.

[Impact of primary and intravascular catheter-related bacteremia due to coagulase-negative staphylococci in critically ill patients]. / Impacto de la bacteriemia primaria y relacionada con catéter intravascular causada por Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo en pacientes críticos.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CNS) primary and intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection (PBSI/CRBSI) on mortality and morbidity in critically-ill patients. DESIGN: We performed a double analysis using data from the ENVIN-HELICS registry data (years 1997 to 2008): 1) We studied the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with CNS-induced PBSI/CRBSI and compared them with those of patients with PBSI/CRBSI caused by other pathogens; and 2) We analyzed the impact of CNS-induced PBSI/CRBSI using a case-control design (1:4) in patients without other nosocomial infections. SETTING: 167 Spanish Intensive Care Units. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to ICU for more than 24 hours. RESULTS: 2,252 patients developed PBSI/CRBSI, of which 1,133 were caused by CNS. The associated mortality for PBSI/CRBSI caused by non-CNS pathogens was higher than that of the CNS group (29.8% vs. 25.9%; P=.039) due exclusively to the mortality of patients with candidemia (mortality: 45.9%). In patients without other infections, PBSI/CRBSI caused by CNS (414 patients) is an independent risk factor for a higher than average length of ICU stay (OR: 5.81, 95% CI: 4.31-7.82; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Crude mortality of patients with CNS-induced BPSI/CRBSI is similar to that of patients with BPSI/CRBSI caused by other bacteria, but lower than that of patients with candidemia. Compared to patients without nosocomial infections, CNS-induced PBSI/CRBSI is associated with a significant increase in length of ICU stay.

Prevención de la bacteriemia relacionada con catéteres en UCI mediante una intervención multifactorial. Informe del estudio piloto / Prevention of bacteriema related with ICU catheters by multifactorial intervention: A report of the pilot study

Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicabilidad a nivel nacional de las intervenciones propuestas en el estado de Michigan por Peter Pronovost et al para la prevención de B-CVC en pacientes ingresados en UCI. Diseño: Estudio piloto, prospectivo y comparativo. Ámbito: Han participado 18 UCI (nueve control y nueve intervención) de tres comunidades autónomas de España a lo largo de tres meses en el año 2007. Intervención Incluyó las actividades siguientes: a) programa de formación del personal sanitario; b) introducción de medidas específicas relacionadas con la inserción y manejo de los CVC (lista de comprobación durante la inserción de los CVC, carro exclusivo para accesos venosos, cartel informativo con los cinco procedimientos propuestos para disminuir las bacteriemias: higiene de manos, uso de barreras asépticas máximas durante la inserción, asepsia de la piel del punto de inserción con clorhexidina, evitar la vía de acceso femoral y retirar todos los CVC innecesarios, y c) medidas dirigidas a promover la cultura de seguridad en el trabajo diario (objetivos diarios, aprender de los errores, rondas de seguridad). Resultados: La tasa de B-CVC expresada en medias ha disminuido a la mitad en comparación con los registros históricos. Se identificaron diferentes problemas en la implantación de las medidas específicas relacionadas con los catéteres y en las herramientas de seguridad. Conclusiones: El proyecto de intervención evaluado en el estudio piloto puede ser viable a nivel nacional. Es necesario modificar y adaptar a la realidad española las herramientas propuestas (AU)

Objective: To assess the applicability on a national level of the interventions proposed by Peter Pronovost et al in Michigan state for the prevention of central vascular catheter-related bacteremia (B-CVC) in patients admitted to the ICU. Design: Pilot, prospective and comparative study. Setting: Eighteen ICUs (9 control and 9 intervention) from three autonomous communities in Spain during 3 months in 2007 participated in the study. Intervention: The following activities were included: a) training program for health care personnel, b) introduction of specific measures related to the insertion and care of CVC (catheter insertion checklist, basic recommendations for maintenance of central catheters, dedicated cart for venous accesses, information poster with the five procedures proposed to reduce bacteremias: hands hygiene, use of maximal aseptic barriers during insertion, asepsis of the skin at the insertion point with chlorhexidine, avoidance of the femoral access, and removal of all CVC) and c) measures aiming to promote the culture of safe daily work (daily objectives, learning from mistakes, safety rounds). Results: The rate of B-CVC expressed as mean values has shown a half reduction as compared with historical registers. Different problems in the implementation of specific measures related to catheters and safety tools were identified. Conclusions: The intervention project assessed in the pilot study may be viable on the national level. It is necessary to modify and adapt to the Spanish reality the interventions proposed (AU)

[Prevention of bacteriema related with ICU catheters by multifactorial intervention: a report of the pilot study]. / Prevención de la bacteriemia relacionada con catéteres en UCI mediante una intervención multifactorial. Informe del estudio piloto.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the applicability on a national level of the interventions proposed by Peter Pronovost et al in Michigan state for the prevention of central vascular catheter-related bacteremia (B-CVC) in patients admitted to the ICU. DESIGN: pilot, prospective and comparative study. SETTING: eighteen ICUs (9 control and 9 intervention) from three autonomous communities in Spain during 3 months in 2007 participated in the study. INTERVENTION: the following activities were included: a) training program for health care personnel, b) introduction of specific measures related to the insertion and care of CVC (catheter insertion checklist, basic recommendations for maintenance of central catheters, dedicated cart for venous accesses, information poster with the five procedures proposed to reduce bacteremias: hands hygiene, use of maximal aseptic barriers during insertion, asepsis of the skin at the insertion point with chlorhexidine, avoidance of the femoral access, and removal of all CVC) and c) measures aiming to promote the culture of safe daily work (daily objectives, learning from mistakes, safety rounds). RESULTS: the rate of B-CVC expressed as mean values has shown a half reduction as compared with historical registers. Different problems in the implementation of specific measures related to catheters and safety tools were identified. CONCLUSIONS: the intervention project assessed in the pilot study may be viable on the national level. It is necessary to modify and adapt to the Spanish reality the interventions proposed.

Epidemiologia de las bacteriemias primarias y relacionadas con cateteres vasculares en pacientes criticos ingresados en servicios de medicina intensiva / Epidemiology of the primary and vascular catheter-related bacteriemias in critical patients admitted to an Intensive Medicine Department

Objetivo: En los últimos años se han producido cambios en el entorno de la bacteriemia relacionada con el uso de catéteres vasculares (BCV) con la aparición de cocos grampositivos multirresistentes (CGP-MR), el conocimiento de limitaciones en los antibióticos más utilizados para su tratamiento (glucopéptidos) y la aparición de nuevos antibióticos activos vs. dichos patógenos. En este artículo se analiza la evolución de las tasas, etiologías y marcadores de multirresistencia de los patógenos más comunesen las BCV (incluidas las bacteriemias primarias) en servicios de medicina intensiva españoles (UCI). Material y métodos: Estudio de incidencia, multicéntrico, prospectivo, observacional y de participación voluntaria. Han colaborado 74, 105, 112 y 121 UCI pertenecientes a 71, 97, 103 y 112 hospitales respectivamente entre los años 2005-2008 (ambos inclusive). Se ha utilizado la información incluida en el registro ENVIN-HELICS. Resultados: Las tasas de esta complicación han disminuido y se sitúan en torno a 5 episodios por 1.000 días de catéter venoso central (CVC). Una tercera parte de los episodios se presentan con una importante respuesta sistémica (sepsis grave o shock séptico). Los CGP-MR fueron los más frecuentes pero los bacilos gramnegativos (BGN) se identificaron en el 30% de casos y los hongos (distintas especies de Candida) en el 6%. Los Staphylococcus epidermidis y Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa (SCN) resistentes a meticilina persisten en una proporción superior al 80%, mientras que han disminuido los S aureus resistentes a meticilina a menos del 40%. Conclusiones: El tratamiento empírico en situaciones de extrema gravedad se considera la cobertura de los patógenos más frecuentes como son los CGP-MR y los BGN y en situaciones especiales los hongos (AU)

Objective: In recent years, changes have occurred in the setting of bacteriemia related with the use of vascular catheters (BVC) and with the appearance of multiresistant gram positive cocci (MR-GPC), knowledge of the limitations regarding the antibiotics used most for their treatment (glycopeptides) and the appearance of new antibiotics active against these pathogens. This article analyzes the evolution of the rates, etiologies and markers of multiresistance of the most common pathogens in the BVC (including the primary bacteriemias) in the Spanish Intensive Medicine Departments (ICU). Material and methods: A multicenter, prospective, observational study of incidence, with voluntary participation, was conducted. A total of 74, 105, 112 and 121 ICUs belonging to 71, 97, 103 and 112 hospitals, respectively, collaborated including the years 2005-2008. The information included in the ENVIN-HELICS registry was used. Results: The rates of this complication have decreased and are now at about 5 episodes per 1,000 days of central venous catheter (CVC). One third of the episodes occur with significant systemic response (severe sepsis or septic shock). The MR-GPC were the most frequent, however Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) were identified in 30% of the cases and fungi (different species of Candida) in 6%. Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative, methicillin-resistant staphylococci (CNS) persist in a proportion greater than 80%, while methicillin-resistance S. aureus have decreased to less than 40%. Conclusions: The empirical treatment in situations of extreme seriousness should consider coverage of the most frequent pathogens such as the MR-GPC and GNB and in special conditions, the fungi (AU)

[Epidemiology of the primary and vascular catheter-related bacteriemias in critical patients admitted to an Intensive Medicine Department]. / Epidemiología de las bacteriemias primarias y relacionadas con catéteres vasculares en pacientes críticos ingresados en servicios de medicina intensiva.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, changes have occurred in the setting of bacteriemia related with the use of vascular catheters (BVC) and with the appearance of multiresistant gram positive cocci (MR-GPC), knowledge of the limitations regarding the antibiotics used most for their treatment (glycopeptides) and the appearance of new antibiotics active against these pathogens. This article analyzes the evolution of the rates, etiologies and markers of multiresistance of the most common pathogens in the BVC (including the primary bacteriemias) in the Spanish Intensive Medicine Departments (ICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, observational study of incidence, with voluntary participation, was conducted. A total of 74, 105, 112 and 121 ICUs belonging to 71, 97, 103 and 112 hospitals, respectively, collaborated including the years 2005-2008. The information included in the ENVIN-HELICS registry was used. RESULTS: The rates of this complication have decreased and are now at about 5 episodes per 1,000 days of central venous catheter (CVC). One third of the episodes occur with significant systemic response (severe sepsis or septic shock). The MR-GPC were the most frequent, however Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) were identified in 30% of the cases and fungi (different species of Candida) in 6%. Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative, methicillin-resistant staphylococci (CNS) persist in a proportion greater than 80%, while methicillin-resistance S. aureus have decreased to less than 40%. CONCLUSIONS: The empirical treatment in situations of extreme seriousness should consider coverage of the most frequent pathogens such as the MR-GPC and GNB and in special conditions, the fungi.

Hipotermia terapéutica en el traumatismo craneoencefálico / No disponible

No disponible

[Utility of vasopressin in cardiopulmonary resuscitation]. / Utilidad de la vasopresina en la resucitación cardiopulmonar.

Many vasopressants have been studied in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to increase cerebral and coronary perfusion. Although there is a debate on the utility of epinephrine, this is the one that has been used historically, above all after verifying that other agents such as norepinephrine, metoxamine or phenylephrine, have not been shown to be more effective. Currently, due to the good experimental results, the use of vasopressin (ADH) in CPR is being evaluated. However there is little (only three studies) and debated evidence based on randomized clinical trials (norepinephrine or ADH) in humans. Once these are reviewed, it can be concluded: The results of the three randomized studies in humans obtain different results regarding the utility of ADH in cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) secondary to ventricular fibrillation, electro-mechanical dissociation or asystole. More prospective studies are needed to know the role of ADH in prolonged CRA and in asystole, that may be the subgroups that can benefit the most from this drug. The neurological repercussion of a drug in the context of CRA should be evaluated before its inclusion in the CPR guides.

Utilidad de la vasopresina en la resucitación cardiopulmonar / Utility of vasopressin in cardiopulmonaryresuscitation

Muchos son los vasopresores estudiados en resucitación cardiopulmonar (RCP) para aumentar la presión de perfusión cerebral y coronaria. A pesar de que existe controversia sobre la utilidad de la adrenalina, ésta es la que históricamente se ha utilizado, sobre todo tras la comprobación de que otros agentes como la noradrenalina, metoxamina o fenilefrina no han demostrado ser más efectivos. Actualmente, debido a los buenos resultados experimentales, se está valorando la utilidad de la vasopresina (ADH) en la RCP. Sin embargo existe poca (sólo tres estudios) y controvertida evidencia basada en ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (adrenalina o ADH) en seres humanos. Una vez revisados éstos, se puede concluir lo siguiente: Los resultados de los tres estudios aleatorizados en seres humanos obtienen resultados distintos respecto a la utilidad de la ADH en la parada cardiorrespiratoria (PCR) secundaria a fibrilación ventricular, disociación electromecánica o asistolia. Son necesarios más estudios prospectivos para conocer el papel de la ADH en la PCR prolongada y en la asistolia, que tal vez sean los subgrupos que más se puedan beneficiar de este fármaco. La repercusión neurológica de un fármaco en el contexto de la PCR debe evaluarse antes de su inclusión en las guías de la RCP

Many vasopressants have been studied in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to increase cerebral and coronary perfusion. Although there is a debate on the utility of epinephrine, this is the one that has been used historically, above all after verifying that other agents such as norepinephrine, metoxamine or phenylephrine, have not been shown to be more effective. Currently, due to the good experimental results, the use of vasopressin (ADH) in CPR is being evaluated. However there is little (only three studies) and debated evidence based on randomized clinical trials (norepinephrine or ADH) in humans. Once these are reviewed, it can be concluded: The results of the three randomized studies in humans obtain different results regarding the utility of ADH in cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) secondary to ventricular fibrillation, electro-mechanical dissociation or asystole. More prospective studies are needed to know the role of ADH in prolonged CRA and in asystole, that may be the subgroups that can benefit the most from this drug. The neurological repercussion of a drug in the context of CRA should be evaluated before its inclusion in the CPR guides

Utilidad de los antagonistas de los receptores de la glucoproteína IIb/IIIa en pacientes ingresados por cardiopatía isquémica en la UCI de un hospital sin disponibilidad de cateterismo cardíaco / Use of glucoprotein IIb/IIIa in patients admitted in the intensive care unit of one hospital due to ischemic cardiopathy without disponibility of cardiac catterization

Fundamento. Se describe la utilización de antagonistas de la glucoproteína IIb/IIIa (AGIIb/IIIa) en una serie de casos, recogidos a partir de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo ingresados en la UCI de un hospital sin disponibilidad de cateterismo cardíaco, entre febrero de 1999 y diciembre de 2000.Método. Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo sobre pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo tratados con AGIIb/IIIa. Se valoró la evolución inicial, a los 6 meses y los efectos secundarios.Resultados. Se estudió a 22 pacientes (20 varones) entre febrero de 1999 y diciembre de 2000. Once pacientes recibieron abciximab (cinco antes del cateterismo cardíaco por síndrome coronario agudo de alto riesgo y seis por isquemia refractaria) y 11 enfermos tirofibán (por isquemia refractaria). Inicialmente, 12 (70,6 por ciento) de los 17 pacientes con ángor refractario quedaron asintomáticos. Se realizó cateterismo cardíaco en otro hospital en todos los pacientes menos uno. En 18 enfermos se instauró tratamiento invasivo percutáneo, 2 pacientes requirieron cirugía cardíaca, un enfermo no presentó lesiones coronarias significativas y en otro enfermo éstas no fueron susceptibles de revascularización. A los 6 meses, 18 pacientes (81,8 por ciento) permanecían asintomáticos aunque cuatro (18,2 por ciento) habían precisado nueva revascularización percutánea. En ningún caso se constató muerte por cualquier causa o infarto de miocardio de nueva aparición.Respecto a efectos secundarios, un enfermo presentó hemorragia gastrointestinal y en otro paciente se evidenció trombocitopenia grave.Conclusión. Los AGIIb/IIIa son una opción terapéutica en los pacientes ingresados por angina inestable refractaria en hospitales sin disponibilidad de cateterismo cardíaco, ya que pueden estabilizar inicialmente el síndrome coronario agudo; no obstante, son fármacos que no están exentos de importantes efectos secundarios (AU)

[Embolism due to cholesterol crystals]. / Embolismo por cristales de colesterol.

We present a case of cholesterol crystal embolization confirmed histologically by skin biopsy and by the presence of a yellowish microemboli with a refringent look lodged inside a retinal arterioles. The presence of a typical clinic case history, together concurrent risk factor (coronarography, implantation of stent and anticoagulation) supported the diagnostic suspicion. Although it is a serious illness, often with a fatal evolution, the patient has followed a favourable clinic course.