Effects of Oral Pirfenidone on Colon Anastomosis Healing and Adhesion Formation in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Many experimental studies have examined multiple drugs or treatments to improve the healing of intestinal anastomoses. Synthetic prostacyclin analogs, immunosuppressants, erythropoietin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor type 1, synthetic metalloproteinases inhibitors, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy have produced promising results in low-risk models of anastomosis dehiscence. However, in high-risk models, only hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be useful. Pirfenidone (PFD), a commonly used antifibrosing drug, has not been shown to be effective for this purpose. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of PFD on anastomosis healing and adhesion genesis in a low-risk rat model of dehiscence of colonic anastomosis. METHODS: An experimental study was conducted on 40 healthy Wistar rats randomly assigned to the control group or PFD experimental group (20 rats in each group). Colon anastomosis was performed 3 cm above the peritoneal reflection using the same technique in all animals. Mechanical resistance was studied by measuring bursting pressure. Adhesions were evaluated macroscopic and histologically using common staining techniques. Animals received the first PFD dose 12 h after surgery at a dose of 500 mg/kg one a day (SID) for 5 consecutive days. On day 6, the animals were reoperated on to measure the bursting pressure in situ and to classify adhesions macroscopically, and the anastomosed colon was resected for histological analysis. RESULTS: There were no deaths, complications, or anastomosis dehiscence in either group. The mean bursting pressure was 120.8 ± 11 mm Hg and 135.5 ± 12.4 in the control and PFD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The adhesions were less dense and had less inflammatory cell infiltration in the PFD group (p < 0.02 and 0.002, respectively). Collagen content was slightly higher in the PFD group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed favorable effects of PFD in this low-risk colon anastomosis model; for example, the bursting pressure was higher, and the macroscopic adhesions were soft and exhibited less inflammatory infiltration and higher collagen content in the PFD group than in the control group. The results showing that PFD treatment was associated with better healing of minor adhesions seem to be paradoxical because the therapeutic indications for this drug are directed at treating fibrosing diseases.

Evaluación de una intervención para mejora en la administración segura de medicación en el turno de noche / An Intervention to Improve Safe Administration of Medication in the Night Shift

Introducción: Uno de cada siete pacientes hospitalizados experimenta un evento adverso relacionado con la administración de medicación. Los errores de medicación son una de las causas más importantes de mortalidad y morbilidad prevenible. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de una intervención formativa sobre la población de enfermeras de turno de noche de un hospital de agudos para mejorar el cumplimiento del protocolo de administración segura de medicación. Métodos: Ensayo experimental, pre-post intervención formativa, realizado en Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, durante 2015-2016. Población: 268 enfermeras en dos turnos de noche, muestra: 177 participantes (88 Grupo Control y 89 Grupo Experimental). La intervención consistió en sesiones informativas y acceso a Procedimiento escrito. El instrumento de medida fue el Procedimiento Normalizado de Trabajo de la institución mediante check-list de cumplimiento. Se realzó estudio uni-bivariable, mediante Chi2 y test de Fisher con significancia para p < 0,05. Resultados: Se realizaron 219 observaciones en Grupo Control y 207 en Grupo Experimental. De 17 variables analizadas, solo tres mostraron diferencias significativas: en Grupo Experimental mejoró el conocimiento del Procedimiento; se incrementó el uso del agua y jabón sobre la solución hidroalcohólica; y empeoró la identificación normalizada de fármacos pendientes de administrar. Ninguna de las 14 variables restantes mostró diferencias significativas. De 426 observaciones, solo se produjeron 3 errores de medicación en Grupo control, subsanados antes de su administración, y 0 en Grupo Experimental. Conclusiones: Las intervenciones formativas clásicas con receptores pasivos pueden no ser eficaces para mejorar la práctica enfermera en administración segura de medicación(AU)

Introduction: One in seven hospitalized patients experiences an adverse event related to administration of medication. Medication errors are one of the most important causes of preventable mortality and morbidity. Objective: To assess the efficacy of a training intervention with the population of night shift nurses in an acute care hospital, in order to improve compliance with the protocol for the safe administration of medication. Methods: Experimental trial, pre-post training intervention, carried out at Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, during 2015-2016. The population consisted of 268 nurses in two night shifts. The sample consisted of 177 participants (88 from the control group and 89 from the experimental group). The intervention consisted in information sessions and access to a written procedure. The measurement instrument was the Institution's Standard Work Procedure by means of a compliance check-list. Uni-bivariate study was performed, using chi-square and Fisher's test with a significance of P < 0.05. Results: 219 observations were carried out in the control group and 207, in the experimental group. Of seventeen variables analyzed, only three showed significant differences: in the experimental group, knowledge of the procedure improved, increase in the use of soap and water over hydroalcoholic solution, and worsening of standardized identification of drugs pending from being administered. None of the fourteen remaining variables showed significant differences. Of 426 observations, only three medication errors occurred in the control group, corrected before its administration, and zero occurred in the experimental group. Conclusions: Classic training interventions with passive receptors may not be effective to improve nursing practice in safe administration of medication(AU)

[Characteristics of tuberculosis in the immigrant population in South Granada Health Area]. / Características de la tuberculosis en la población inmigrante en el Área de Salud Sur de Granada.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among the native population in Spain continues to decrease, resulting in a higher proportion of foreign-born cases. The aim of this study was to identify the differential TB characteristics within the immigrant population with respect to the native population in the South Granada Health Area, Spain. METHODS: This was a descriptive study, including all cases of TB diagnosed during the period 2003-2010. Cases were identified through a prospective database. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine differential characteristics. RESULTS: From 319 TB cases diagnosed, 247 were natives and 72 (22.6%) immigrants, and 272 were pulmonary tuberculosis. The following variables were significantly associated with immigrant TB cases: age<35 years (OR=4.75, CI: 2.72-8.31), higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray (OR=2.26, CI: 1.20-4.20), higher percentage of smear-positive cases (OR=1.80, CI: 1.02-3.16), longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB (median 32 days vs. 21 days P=.043), and lower total lethality (OR=0.12; CI: 0.01-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of TB has remained constant in the South Granada Health Area due to the increase in cases among immigrants. Compared with native TB patients, immigrant patients were younger and had more advanced disease (higher percentage of smear-positive cases and higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray) and longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB, indicating poorer TB control. Strategies for earlier diagnosis of TB in immigrants are essential.