Which information derived from the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised provides the most reliable prediction of clinical diagnosis and recovery of consciousness? A comparative study using machine learning techniques.

BACKGROUND: The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) is the most recommended clinical tool to examine the neurobehavioral condition of individuals with disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Different studies have investigated the prognostic value of the information provided by the conventional administration of the scale, while other measures derived from the scale have been proposed to improve the prognosis of DOCs. However, the heterogeneity of the data used in the different studies prevents a reliable comparison of the identified predictors and measures. AIM: This study investigates which information derived from the CRS-R provides the most reliable prediction of both the clinical diagnosis and recovery of consciousness at the discharge of a long-term neurorehabilitation program. DESIGN: Retrospective observational multisite study. SETTING: The enrollment was performed in three neurorehabilitation facilities of the same hospital network. POPULATION: A total of 171 individuals with DOCs admitted to an inpatient neurorehabilitation program for a minimum of 3 months were enrolled. METHODS: Machine learning classifiers were trained to predict the clinical diagnosis and recovery of consciousness at discharge using clinical confounders and different metrics extracted from the CRS-R scale. RESULTS: Results showed that the neurobehavioral state at discharge was predicted with acceptable and comparable predictive value with all the indices and measures derived from the CRS-R, but for the clinical diagnosis and the Consciousness Domain Index, and the recovery of consciousness was predicted with higher accuracy and similarly by all the investigated measures, with the exception of initial clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Interestingly, the total score in the CRS-R and, especially, the total score in its subscales provided the best overall results, in contrast to the clinical diagnosis, which could indicate that a comprehensive measure of the clinical diagnosis rather than the condition of the individuals could provide a more reliable prediction of the neurobehavioral progress of individuals with prolonged DOC. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The results of this work have important implications in clinical practice, offering a more accurate prognosis of patients and thus giving the possibility to personalize and optimize the rehabilitation plan of patients with DoC using low-cost and easily collectable information.

Actualización de la Guía Española de la EPOC (GesEPOC): comorbilidades, automanejo y cuidados paliativos / Spanish COPD Guideline (GesEPOC) Update: Comorbidities, Self-Management and Palliative Care

Los modelos de atención sanitaria actuales descritos en GesEPOC indican la mejor manera de hacer un diagnóstico correcto, la categorización de los pacientes, la adecuada selección de la estrategia terapéutica y el manejo y la prevención de las agudizaciones. Además, en la EPOC concurren diversos aspectos que resultan cruciales en una aproximación integrada de la atención sanitaria a estos pacientes. La evaluación de las comorbilidades en el paciente con EPOC representa un reto asistencial. Dentro de una valoración integral debe estudiarse la presencia de comorbilidades que tengan relación con la presentación clínica, con alguna técnica diagnóstica o con algunos tratamientos relacionados con la EPOC. Asimismo, son necesarias intervenciones en hábitos de vida saludables, la adhesión a tratamientos complejos, desarrollar capacidades para poder reconocer los signos y síntomas de la exacerbación, saber qué hacer para prevenirlos y tratarlos enmarcados en un plan de automanejo. Finalmente, los cuidados paliativos constituyen uno de los pilares en el tratamiento integral del paciente con EPOC, con los que se buscan prevenir o tratar los síntomas de una enfermedad, los efectos secundarios del tratamiento, y los problemas físicos, psicológicos y sociales de los pacientes y sus cuidadores. Por tanto, el objetivo principal de estos cuidados paliativos no es prolongar la esperanza de vida, sino mejorar su calidad. En este capítulo de GesEPOC 2021 se presenta una actualización sobre las comorbilidades más importantes, las estrategias de automanejo y los cuidados paliativos en la EPOC, y se incluye una recomendación sobre el uso de opiáceos para el tratamiento de la disnea refractaria en la EPOC. (AU)

The current health care models described in GesEPOC indicate the best way to make a correct diagnosis, the categorization of patients, the appropriate selection of the therapeutic strategy and the management and prevention of exacerbations. In addition, COPD involves several aspects that are crucial in an integrated approach to the health care of these patients. The evaluation of comorbidities in COPD patients represents a healthcare challenge. As part of a comprehensive assessment, the presence of comorbidities related to the clinical presentation, to some diagnostic technique or to some COPD-related treatments should be studied. Likewise, interventions on healthy lifestyle habits, adherence to complex treatments, developing skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of exacerbation, knowing what to do to prevent them and treat them within the framework of a self-management plan are also necessary. Finally, palliative care is one of the pillars in the comprehensive treatment of the COPD patient, seeking to prevent or treat the symptoms of a disease, the side effects of treatment, and the physical, psychological and social problems of patients and their caregivers. Therefore, the main objective of this palliative care is not to prolong life expectancy, but to improve its quality. This chapter of GesEPOC 2021 presents an update on the most important comorbidities, self-management strategies, and palliative care in COPD, and includes a recommendation on the use of opioids for the treatment of refractory dyspnea in COPD. (AU)

[Translated article] Spanish COPD Guideline (GesEPOC) Update: Comorbidities, Self-Management and Palliative Care / Actualización de la Guía Española de la EPOC (GesEPOC): comorbilidades, automanejo y cuidados paliativos

The current health care models described in GesEPOC indicate the best way to make a correct diagnosis, the categorization of patients, the appropriate selection of the therapeutic strategy and the management and prevention of exacerbations. In addition, COPD involves several aspects that are crucial in an integrated approach to the health care of these patients. The evaluation of comorbidities in COPD patients represents a healthcare challenge. As part of a comprehensive assessment, the presence of comorbidities related to the clinical presentation, to some diagnostic technique or to some COPD-related treatments should be studied. Likewise, interventions on healthy lifestyle habits, adherence to complex treatments, developing skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of exacerbation, knowing what to do to prevent them and treat them within the framework of a self-management plan are also necessary. Finally, palliative care is one of the pillars in the comprehensive treatment of the COPD patient, seeking to prevent or treat the symptoms of a disease, the side effects of treatment, and the physical, psychological and social problems of patients and their caregivers. Therefore, the main objective of this palliative care is not to prolong life expectancy, but to improve its quality. This chapter of GesEPOC 2021 presents an update on the most important comorbidities, self-management strategies, and palliative care in COPD, and includes a recommendation on the use of opioids for the treatment of refractory dyspnea in COPD. (AU)

Los modelos de atención sanitaria actuales descritos en GesEPOC indican la mejor manera de hacer un diagnóstico correcto, la categorización de los pacientes, la adecuada selección de la estrategia terapéutica y el manejo y la prevención de las agudizaciones. Además, en la EPOC concurren diversos aspectos que resultan cruciales en una aproximación integrada de la atención sanitaria a estos pacientes. La evaluación de las comorbilidades en el paciente con EPOC representa un reto asistencial. Dentro de una valoración integral debe estudiarse la presencia de comorbilidades que tengan relación con la presentación clínica, con alguna técnica diagnóstica o con algunos tratamientos relacionados con la EPOC. Asimismo, son necesarias intervenciones en hábitos de vida saludables, la adhesión a tratamientos complejos, desarrollar capacidades para poder reconocer los signos y síntomas de la exacerbación, saber qué hacer para prevenirlos y tratarlos enmarcados en un plan de automanejo. Finalmente, los cuidados paliativos constituyen uno de los pilares en el tratamiento integral del paciente con EPOC, con los que se buscan prevenir o tratar los síntomas de una enfermedad, los efectos secundarios del tratamiento, y los problemas físicos, psicológicos y sociales de los pacientes y sus cuidadores. Por tanto, el objetivo principal de estos cuidados paliativos no es prolongar la esperanza de vida, sino mejorar su calidad. En este capítulo de GesEPOC 2021 se presenta una actualización sobre las comorbilidades más importantes, las estrategias de automanejo y los cuidados paliativos en la EPOC, y se incluye una recomendación sobre el uso de opiáceos para el tratamiento de la disnea refractaria en la EPOC. (AU)

Spanish COPD Guideline (GesEPOC) Update: Comorbidities, Self-Management and Palliative Care. / Actualización de la Guía Española de la EPOC (GesEPOC): comorbilidades, automanejo y cuidados paliativos.

The current health care models described in GesEPOC indicate the best way to make a correct diagnosis, the categorization of patients, the appropriate selection of the therapeutic strategy and the management and prevention of exacerbations. In addition, COPD involves several aspects that are crucial in an integrated approach to the health care of these patients. The evaluation of comorbidities in COPD patients represents a healthcare challenge. As part of a comprehensive assessment, the presence of comorbidities related to the clinical presentation, to some diagnostic technique or to some COPD-related treatments should be studied. Likewise, interventions on healthy lifestyle habits, adherence to complex treatments, developing skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of exacerbation, knowing what to do to prevent them and treat them within the framework of a self-management plan are also necessary. Finally, palliative care is one of the pillars in the comprehensive treatment of the COPD patient, seeking to prevent or treat the symptoms of a disease, the side effects of treatment, and the physical, psychological and social problems of patients and their caregivers. Therefore, the main objective of this palliative care is not to prolong life expectancy, but to improve its quality. This chapter of GesEPOC 2021 presents an update on the most important comorbidities, self-management strategies, and palliative care in COPD, and includes a recommendation on the use of opioids for the treatment of refractory dyspnea in COPD.

Administration of mycophenolic acid is not associated with malformations in descendants from kidney transplanted males.

BACKGROUND: In pregnant women, the use of Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is associated with teratogenicity. Recently, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the Spanish Agency of Medicine and Sanitary Products (AEMPS) warned about the potential teratogenic effects of MPA. These adverse events may occur even in children from males on treatment with MPA. However, evidence of malformations in offsprings of male kidney transplanted patients (KT) exposed to MPA is limited. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of offspring malformations in children of renal transplanted males under MPA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in which we evaluated the incidence of malformations in descendants from male recipients that were exposed or not to MPA before and at the time of conception. Two groups of patients were evaluated. Those exposed to MPA (MPA group, n = 20) and the non-MPA group (n = 13) that included patients that did not receive AZA (n = 5) and eight that did receive AZA (n = 8) at the time of conception. RESULTS: A total of forty-nine post-transplant conceptions were identified from 33 different renal transplanted males. MPA was used as the immunosuppressant in 28 of the conceptions. Males from the non-MPA group fathered the other 21 children. Median time from grafting to conception was 6.1 (IQR 2.4-11.1) years, and it was similar between groups. There were eight miscarriage episodes, 2 in the non-MPA group and 6 in the MPA group although differences were not reached. After that, all patients had children without problems. No malformations were detected in any of the 49 regardless whether they were exposed or not to MPA. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence of MPA-associated malformations was observed in descendants of kidney transplanted males on treatment with MPA. Further research is warranted to confirm our findings to properly advice transplanted males keen to procreate.

Retract p < 0.005 and propose using JASP, instead.

Seeking to address the lack of research reproducibility in science, including psychology and the life sciences, a pragmatic solution has been raised recently:  to use a stricter p < 0.005 standard for statistical significance when claiming evidence of new discoveries. Notwithstanding its potential impact, the proposal has motivated a large mass of authors to dispute it from different philosophical and methodological angles. This article reflects on the original argument and the consequent counterarguments, and concludes with a simpler and better-suited alternative that the authors of the proposal knew about and, perhaps, should have made from their Jeffresian perspective: to use a Bayes factors analysis in parallel (e.g., via JASP) in order to learn more about frequentist error statistics and about Bayesian prior and posterior beliefs without having to mix inconsistent research philosophies.

Behavioral recovery in disorders of consciousness: a prospective study with the Spanish version of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and short-term pattern of evolution of a sample of patients within 1 year after acquiring a brain injury that led to a vegetative state (VS) or a minimally conscious state (MCS). DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Inpatient brain injury rehabilitation program. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with acquired brain injury (N=32; 47% traumatic, 37.5% hemorrhagic, 15.5% anoxic) who were in a VS or an MCS according to Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) scores. INTERVENTION: Integrative multisensory program comprising daily physical rehabilitation procedures and multimodal sensory stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All patients were assessed with a Spanish version of the CRS-R at admission and then monthly for at least 6 months or until emergence from MCS. RESULTS: At the time of admission, 12 patients were diagnosed as being in a VS and 20 as being in an MCS. Eight patients were able to emerge from their MCS during follow-up. Seven of these 8 patients were diagnosed as being in an MCS at inclusion, and only 1 was diagnosed as being in a VS. Emergence from an MCS was mostly associated with improvement in both the communication and motor function scales (n=4). Lesser chronicity (P=.01) and the presence of more than visual behavioral responses at admission (P=.05) were both significant predictors of emergence from an MCS. CONCLUSIONS: The CRS-R seems appropriate for establishing an immediate prognosis in this population. A quick referral of these patients for specialized assessment and rehabilitation facilities is recommended.

[Outpatient monitoring of oesophageal pH with a catheter-free pH-meter (Bravo System). A Study of tolerance, safety and efficacy]. / Monitorización ambulatoria del pH esofágico con pH-metría sin sonda (sistema Bravo(R)). Estudio de tolerancia, seguridad y eficacia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A new catheter-free outpatient oesophageal pH-meter system (Bravo) has recently been developed. The objective of this study is to test the tolerance, safety and efficacy of the system in the measurement of gastric-oesophageal reflux by comparing it with a conventional pH system. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study was performed on a control group consisting of 10 healthy volunteers (group 1) and in a group of 40 patients with symptoms of gastric-oesophageal reflux disease (groups 2 and 3). An upper digestive system endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and oesophageal pH measurements with a conventional system and/or with the Bravo catheter-free system, was performed on all patients. All patients who had both tests done (groups 1 and 2) filled in a questionnaire on any physical problems and changes in their daily activity. RESULTS: The test tolerance was higher with the Bravo system in the 9 parameters studied. In the group of healthy volunteers (group 1), the median (range) of the total percentage of pH < 4 was 1.1% (0.5-3.1) with the conventional pH and 1.7% (0-3.4) with the Bravo. When comparing the patients with symptoms of gastric-oesophageal reflux disease (group 2) with those who had only one type of pH measurement made, the acid reflux was significantly higher in patients with Barrett's oesophagus than in the rest of the groups, with conventional pH as well as with the Bravo. If we analyse the patient group with disease due to gastric-oesophageal reflux with those on whom both techniques were used (group 3), 7 of the 10 patients had a pathological reflux that only showed up on measuring pH with the Bravo system. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-free pH measurements (Bravo) is better tolerated and with better satisfaction for the healthy volunteers and patients than with conventional PH, even, on occasions being more efficient for studying acid reflux due to the lower incidence of negative results.

Monitorización ambulatoria del pH esofágico con pH-metría sin sonda (sistema Bravo®). Estudio de tolerancia, seguridad y eficacia / Outpatient monitoring of oesophageal pH with a catheter-free pH-meter (Bravo® System). A Study of tolerance, safety and efficacy

Fundamento y objetivo. Recientemente se ha desarrollado un nuevo sistema de pH-metría esofágica ambulatoria sin catéter, el sistema Bravo®. El objetivo de este estudio es comprobar la tolerancia, la seguridad y la eficacia del sistema en la medición del reflujo gastroesofágico, en comparación con la pH-metría convencional. Pacientes y método. El estudio se realizó en un grupo control constituido por 10 voluntarios sanos (grupo 1) y en un grupo de 40 pacientes con síntomas de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (grupos 2 y 3). A todos los pacientes se les realizó endoscopia digestiva alta, manometría esofágica y pH-metría esofágica convencional y/o pH-metría sin catéter con el sistema Bravo®. Todos los pacientes a los que se realizaron ambas pruebas (grupos 1 y 3) rellenaron un cuestionario sobre molestias físicas y alteraciones de su actividad diaria. Resultados. La tolerancia de la prueba fue mejor con el sistema Bravo® en 9 de los 10 parámetros estudiados. En el grupo de voluntarios sanos (grupo 1), la mediana (intervalo) del porcentaje total de pH < 4 fue del 1,1% (0,5-3,1%) con la pH convencional y el 1,7% (0-3,4%) con el sistema Bravo®. En cuanto a los pacientes con síntomas de enfermedad con reflujo gastroesofágico (grupo 2) a los que se realizó sólo un tipo de pH-metría, el reflujo ácido fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con esófago de Barrett que en el resto de los grupos, tanto con la pH convencional como con el Bravo®. Si analizamos al grupo de pacientes con enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico a los que se realizaron ambas técnicas (grupo 3), 7 de los 10 pacientes tenían un reflujo patológico que sólo se evidenció al realizar pH-metría con el sistema Bravo®. Conclusiones. La pH-metría sin sonda (Bravo®) es mejor tolerada y de mayor satisfacción para los voluntarios sanos y los pacientes que la pH-metría convencional, en ocasiones incluso es más eficaz para el estudio del reflujo ácido por la menor frecuencia de resultados negativos (AU)

Background and objective. A new catheter-free outpatient oesophageal pH-meter system (Bravo®), has recently been developed. The objective of this study is to test the tolerance, safety and efficacy of the system in the measurement of gastric-oesophageal reflux by comparing it with a conventional pH system. Patients and method. The study was performed on a control group consisting of 10 healthy volunteers (group 1) and in a group of 40 patients with symptoms of gastric-oesophageal reflux disease (groups 2 and 3). An upper digestive sytem endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and oesophageal pH measurements with a conventional system and/or with the Bravo® catheter-free system, was performed on all patients. All patients who had both tests done (groups 1 and 2) filled in a questionnaire on any physical problems and changes in their daily activity. Results. The test tolerance was higher with the Bravo® system in the 9 parameters studied. In the group of healthy volunteers (group 1), the median (range) of the total percentage of pH < 4 was 1.1% (0.5-3.1) with the conventional pH and 1.7% (0-3.4) with the Bravo®. When comparing the patients with symptoms of gastric-oesophageal reflux disease (group 2) with those who had only one type of pH measurement made, the acid reflux was significantly higher in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus than in the rest of the groups, with conventional pH as well as with the Bravo®. If we analyse the patient group with disease due to gastric-oesophageal reflux with those on whom both techniques were used (group 3), 7 of the 10 patients had a pathological reflux that only showed up on measuring pH with the Bravo® system. Conclusions. Catheter-free pH measurements (Bravo®) is better tolerated and with better satisfaction for the healthy volunteers and patients than with conventional PH, even, on occasions being more efficient for studying acid reflux due to the lower incidence of negative results (AU)

Tipología de relaciones de empleo: una propuesta integradora / A typology of employment relationships: a multi-disciplinary point of view

La importancia que en los últimos años se ha otorgado a los recursos humanos como parte fundamental de la excelencia empresarial ha supuesto en muchos casos una mejora delas condiciones laborales tendentes a conseguir el compromiso de los trabajadores. Aunque no todos disfrutan del mismo tipo de relación de empleo, ya sea porque a la empresa no le interese desde un punto de vista de eficiencia económica, porque aquéllos realicen aportaciones de diferente valor a la misma o simplemente consecuencia de distintos planteamientos directivos a la hora de gestionar los RRHH. En cualquier caso, pensamos que la dirección debe definir con claridad el tipo de relación laboral que quiere establecer con los trabajadores, por un lado, como forma de mantener la coherencia entre las distintas prácticas de RRHH y de éstas con la estrategia empresarial, y por otro, al objeto de mandar un mensaje claro a los individuos para que desarrollen expectativas realistas y no vean frustrado su contrato psicológico. Por todo ello pensamos que es fundamental contar con una clasificación de los diferentes tipos de relaciones de empleo y con tal fin hemos analizado las tipologías señaladas por diferentes autores desde diferentes ámbitos de estudio para tratar de sintetizarlas en una propuesta que recoja la esencia de todas ellas (AU)

Over the last few years, the growing recognition of the importance of human resources for organizational excellence has led to an increased emphasis on employee loyalty. Nonetheless, not all employees experience the same type of employee relationship, either due to the organizations concern for economic efficiency or simply as a consequence of different supervisory approaches to people management. In any case, we believe that organizations should on one hand define clearly the type of relationship they want to establish with their employees and on the other hand should make an effort to be consistent in the different human resources practices and in the organization’s strategy. This is necessary to ensure that the diverse messages individuals get, help them develop realistic expectations to lower the likelihood of perceiving a breach in their psychological contract. We have therefore reviewed the classifications of employment relationships developed by authors from different research areas in order to suggest a synthesis that combines the most important features of each (AU)

Value of serological testing for diagnosis of legionellosis in outbreak patients.

Serum antibody detection tests and a urine antigen detection technique were compared in samples from 116 patients epidemiologically characterized as belonging to a legionellosis outbreak. Sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG plus IgM and by immunofluorescent assays (IFAs) for IgG, IgM, IgA, and polyimmunoglobulin using commercial kits (Vircell); concentrated urines were tested with the Binax NOW Legionella test. ELISA for IgM, ELISA for IgG plus IgM, antigenuria detection, and IFA for IgM were able to diagnose 72.3%, 60.5%, 53.3%, and 51.4%, respectively, of patients. Antigenuria was present in 53.8% of first samples, ELISA detected IgM in 29.7%, ELISA detected IgG plus IgM in 7.9%, and IFA detected IgM in 3.9%. Ten antigenuria-negative first samples tested serologically positive, 9 of them to IgM by ELISA. Despite the single source of the samples included in the study, detection of IgM using a sensitive technique such as ELISA seems to be a suitable complement to antigenuria detection for the diagnosis of legionellosis.

Nutrición y enfermedad de Alzheimer, ¿un dilema posible de conciliar? / Nutrition and Alzheimer 's disease, a dilemma possible to conciliate?

En los últimos veinte años se ha investigado el papel de la alimentación en la etiología de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, así como su incidencia en el pronóstico y la calidad de vida de los enfermos debido a la aparición de un estado de malnutrición. La intervención nutricional tiene como objetivo mantener un estado nutricional óptimo desde un enfoque clínico y educativo (paciente y familia). El trabajo que se presenta es el resultado de un estudio documental sobre la problemática de la alimentación y la nutrición en el Alzheimer. Con la finalidad de mejorar los cuidados nutricionales a través de la búsqueda de una terapia dietética eficaz (AU)

Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin as a tool to optimise dosage schedules in community patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dosage regimens of ciprofloxacin prescribed for outpatients by applying the principles of antibacterial therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prescription and demographic data. SETTING: Community pharmacy in Valladolid, Spain. PATIENTS: Fifty male and female patients aged 18-93 years and with bodyweight 41-95kg. METHODS: Prescribed dosage regimen, age, weight, height, type of infection, comorbidity and coadministered drugs were recorded for each patient. Plasma concentration curves were simulated from literature values of the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug and the age and weight of the patients. Urine concentrations were estimated from simulated plasma concentrations, literature values of renal clearance and an average urinary flow rate of 2 L/day. The potential efficacy of the prescribed treatment was evaluated from the ratio of the simulated peak plasma concentration (C(max)) to the literature value of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the bacterium most probably responsible for the infection (C(max) /MIC). The ratio of area under the plasma concentration-time curve over 24 hours to MIC (AUC24 /MIC) was also estimated for non-urinary infections. RESULTS: Demographic variables such as age or bodyweight do not seem to be taken in consideration when ciprofloxacin is prescribed, at least in the patients considered here, leading to wide interindividual variability in plasma concentrations. This may not be relevant for urinary infections, since ciprofloxacin concentrates in the urine, leading to high Cmax /MIC ratios in all patients. Simulated plasma concentration-time curves revealed consistent underdosing for systemic infections in young patients over 60kg, for whom the plasma concentrations achieved led to Cmax /MIC and AUC24 /MIC ratios lower than those associated with clinical efficacy and minimal spread of bacterial resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The standard regimen of ciprofloxacin 250mg every 12 hours prescribed for urinary infections may not be the best choice, since a more convenient regimen of 500mg once daily leads to a higher Cmax /MIC ratio, which is associated with a more significant postantibiotic effect and higher efficacy of fluoroquinolones. For non-urinary infections, the age and weight of patients should be taken into account to achieve optimum plasma concentrations.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of ciprofloxacin 250 mg/12 h versus 500 mg/24 h for urinary infections.

A simulation study was performed to evaluate and compare the standard dosage regimen of 250 mg/12 h versus 500 mg/24 h of ciprofloxacin for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Pharmacokinetic parameters reported for healthy young and old individuals were used for the simulation of drug levels in urine, at different mean urine flow rates (1-2.5 L/day). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of the results revealed that 500 mg ciprofloxacin once a day produced a more favourable profile in urine than 250 mg/12 h, particularly in the elderly, due to the slower elimination of the drug in this group of patients. Circadian rhythms were also considered for the simulation of drug levels in urine. According to the results, 500 mg once a day administered in the morning would be a better choice than 250 mg/12 h at least for uncomplicated UTI; nevertheless, clinical assays are needed to prove this hypothesis.

Atención farmacéutica en antibioterapia: fluoroquinolonas / Antibiotherapy pharmaceutical care: fluoroquinolones

El incremento progresivo de microorganismos resistentes causantes de infecciones de difícil tratamiento ha llevado a la implantación de diversos programas destinados a evitar el abuso y mal uso de los antibióticos, al ser ésta una causa directamente relacionada con la aparición de resistencias. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido el de evaluar las pautas posológicas de las fluoroquinolonas prescritas en el ámbito comunitario en relación con su potencial eficacia, así como establecer un protocolo de actuación farmacéutica destinado a prevenir y evitar los PRMs más probables para este grupo de fármacos. Para ello se ha aplicado una metodología, previamente descrita, basada en la simulación de curvas de niveles de fármaco en sangre u orina considerando la variabilidad famacocinética asociada a las características demográficas de los pacientes. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que las pautas de dosificación prescritas corresponden a unos estándares preestablecidos, independientemente de la edad o peso del paciente para el que se prescribe la quinolona. En consecuencia, las concentraciones de fármaco simuladas difieren significativamente de unos casos a otros, lo que puede no tener trascendencia clínica en infecciones urinarias debido a las altas concentraciones alcanzadas en orina, pero sí en infecciones de otro tipo, ya que los niveles en plasma simulados para ciprofloxacino son, en algunos casos, inferiores a los recomendados para optimizar la eficacia del tratamiento y minimizar la aparición de resistencias (AU)

Progressive resistance emergence responsible for infections with complicated treatments has lead to the establishment of different types of programs aimed at controlling the misuse of these drugs since the latter has been related to the emerging resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosage patterns of the fluoroquinolone prescriptions for the community patients in relation with its potential efficacy as well as to establish a protocol to be applied at the community pharmacy to avoid the most probable FRM for this group of drugs. The methodology used has been previously described and, briefly, it consists in the simulation of the urine and plasma drug levels taking into account the variability in pharmacokinetics, according to the demographics of the patient.The results show that a standard dosage pattern is prescribed with no consideration of the age and body weight, leading to a significant inter-variability in the simulated levels of the drug. This may not show clinical implications for urinary infections since these drugs concentrate in urine and reach sufficiently high values in this fluid. Nevertheless, despite urine levels simulated plasma concentrations of ciprafloxacin are in some cases lower than the recommended values for improving efficacy and reducing resistance emergence (AU)