Aspectos epidemiológicos, manejo clínico y resultados a corto plazo en pacientes mayores diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en urgencias en España: resultados del estudio EDEN-34 / Epidemiological aspects, clinical management and short-term outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with acute heart failure in the emergency department in Spain: results of the EDEN-34 study

Objetivo: Estimar la incidencia de diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) en pacientes mayores en los servicios de urgencias (SU), la confirmación diagnóstica de la ICA en pacientes hospitalizados y los eventos adversos a corto plazo. Método: Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes de ≥65 años atendidos en 52 SU españoles durante una semana y se seleccionaron los diagnosticados de ICA. En los hospitalizados se recogieron los diagnosticados de ICA al alta. Como eventos adversos, se recogió la mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a 30 días, y evento adverso combinado (muerte u hospitalización) a 30 días posalta. Se calcularon las odds ratio (OR) ajustadas de las características demográficas, de estado basal y a la llegada al SU asociadas con mortalidad y evento adverso posalta a 30 días. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.155 pacientes con ICA (incidencia anual: 26,5 por 1.000 habitantes ≥65 años, IC95%: 25,0-28,1). En el 86%, el diagnóstico de ICA constaba al alta. La mortalidad global a 30 días fue del 10,7%, la intrahospitalaria del 7,9% y el evento combinado posalta del 15,6%. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a 30 días se asoció con hipotensión arterial (OR ajustada: 74,0, IC95%: 5,39-1.015.; y 42,6, 3,74-485, respectivamente) e hipoxemia (2,14, 1,27-3,61; y 1,87, 1,19-2,93) a la llegada a urgencias y con precisar ayuda en la deambulación (2,24, 1,04-4,83; y 2,48, 1,27-4,86) y la edad (por cada incremento de 10 años; 1,54, 1,04-2,29, y 1,60, 1,13-2,28). Conclusiones: La ICA es un diagnóstico frecuente en los pacientes mayores que consultan en los SU. El deterioro funcional, la edad, la hipotensión e hipoxemia son los factores que más se asocian a mortalidad.(AU)

Objective: To estimate the incidence of acute heart failure (AHF) diagnosis in elderly patients in emergency departments (ED), diagnostic confirmation in hospitalized patients, and short-term adverse events. Methods: All patients aged ≥65 years attended in 52 Spanish EDs during 1 week were included and those diagnosed with AHF were selected. In hospitalized patients, those diagnosed with AHF at discharge were collected. As adverse events, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and combined adverse event (death or hospitalization) at 30 days post-discharge were collected. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for association of demographic variables, baseline status and constants at ED arrival with mortality and 30-day post-discharge adverse event were calculated. Results: We included 1,155 patients with AHF (annual incidence: 26.5 per 1000 inhabitants ≥65 years, 95%CI: 25.0-28.1). In 86% the diagnosis of AHF was known at discharge. Overall 30-day mortality was 10.7% and in-hospital mortality was 7.9%, and the combined event in 15.6%. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was associated with arterial hypotension (adjusted OR: 74.0, 95%CI: 5.39-1015. and 42.6, 3.74-485, respectively and hypoxemia (2.14, 1.27-3.61; and 1.87, 1.19-2.93) on arrival at the ED and requiring assistance with ambulation (2.24, 1.04-4.83; and 2.48, 1.27-4.86) and age (per 10-year increment; 1.54, 1.04-2.29; and 1.60, 1.13-2.28). The combined post-discharge adverse event was not associated with any characteristic. Conclusions: AHF is a frequent diagnosis in elderly patients consulting in the ED. The functional impairment, age, hypotension and hypoxemia are the factors most associated with mortality.(AU)

Epidemiological aspects, clinical management and short-term outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with acute heart failure in the emergency department in Spain: results of the EDEN-34 study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of acute heart failure (AHF) diagnosis in elderly patients in emergency departments (ED), diagnostic confirmation in hospitalized patients, and short-term adverse events. METHODS: All patients aged ≥65 years attended in 52 Spanish EDs during 1 week were included and those diagnosed with AHF were selected. In hospitalized patients, those diagnosed with AHF at discharge were collected. As adverse events, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and combined adverse event (death or hospitalization) at 30 days post-discharge were collected. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for association of demographic variables, baseline status and constants at ED arrival with mortality and 30-day post-discharge adverse event were calculated. RESULTS: We included 1,155 patients with AHF (annual incidence: 26.5 per 1000 inhabitants ≥65 years, 95% CI: 25.0-28.1). In 86% the diagnosis of AHF was known at discharge. Overall 30-day mortality was 10.7% and in-hospital mortality was 7.9%, and the combined event in 15.6%. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was associated with arterial hypotension (adjusted OR: 74.0, 95% CI: 5.39-1015. and 42.6, 3.74-485, respectively and hypoxemia (2.14, 1.27-3.61; and 1.87, 1.19-2.93) on arrival at the ED and requiring assistance with ambulation (2.24, 1.04-4.83; and 2.48, 1.27-4.86) and age (per 10-year increment; 1.54, 1.04-2.29; and 1.60, 1.13-2.28). The combined post-discharge adverse event was not associated with any characteristic. CONCLUSIONS: AHF is a frequent diagnosis in elderly patients consulting in the ED. The functional impairment, age, hypotension and hypoxemia are the factors most associated with mortality.

Factores asociados al tratamiento crónico no justificado con digoxina en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y relación con el pronóstico a corto plazo / Factors associated with unjustified chronic treatment with digoxin in patients with acute heart failure and relationship with short-term prognosis

Objetivos Analizar los factores relacionados con el tratamiento crónico inadecuado con digoxina, y si esta inadecuación impacta en la evolución a corto plazo. Método Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) en tratamiento crónico con digoxina, y se clasificaron como con tratamiento indicado o no indicado, investigándose los factores asociados a este hecho, y si se asociaba a mortalidad intrahospitalaria a 30 días, estancia hospitalaria prolongada (>7 días) y evento adverso combinado (reconsulta a urgencias, hospitalización por ICA o muerte por cualquier causa) durante los 30 días postalta. Resultados Se analizaron 2.366 pacientes en tratamiento crónico con digoxina (mediana=83 años, mujeres=61%): adecuado en 1.373 casos (58,0%), inadecuado en 993 (42,0%). La inadecuación se asoció con mayor edad, menor comorbilidad, menor tratamiento con betabloqueantes e IECA, mejor función ventricular y peor índice de Barthel. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a 30 días fue mayor en pacientes con tratamiento inadecuado (9,9 versus 7,6%, p=0,05; y 12,6 versus 9,1%, p<0,001; respectivamente); no hubo diferencias en estancia prolongada (35,7 versus 33,8%) ni en eventos adversos posalta (32,9 versus 31,8%). Ajustando las diferencias basales y del episodio de descompensación, el tratamiento crónico inadecuado con digoxina no se asoció con ningún resultado, con odds ratio de 1,31 (IC 95%: 0,85-2,03) para mortalidad intrahospitalaria, 1,29 (0,74-2,25) para mortalidad a 30 días; 1,07 (0,82-1,40) para estancia prolongada y 0,88 (0,65-1,19) para evento adverso posalta. Conclusión Existe un perfil de paciente que recibe de forma inadecuada tratamiento crónico con digoxina, si bien ello no se asocia con resultados adversos a corto plazo durante los episodios de ICA (AU)

Objectives To analyze the factors related to inadequate chronic treatment with digoxin and whether the inadequacy of treatment has an impact on short-term outcome. Method Patients diagnosed with AHF who were in chronic treatment with digoxin were selected. Digoxin treatment was classified as adequate or inadequate. We investigated factors associated to inadequacy and whether such inadequacy was associated with in-hospital and 30-day mortality, prolonged hospital stay (>7 days) and combined adverse event (re-consultation to the ED or hospitalization for AHF or death from any cause) during the 30 days after discharge. Results We analyzed 2366 patients on chronic digoxin treatment (median age=83 years, women=61%), which was considered adequate in 1373 cases (58.0%) and inadequate in 993 (42.0%). The inadequacy was associated with older age, less comorbidity, less treatment with beta-blockers and renin–angiotensin inhibitors, better ventricular function, and worse Barthel index. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was higher in patients with inadequate digoxin treatment (9.9% vs. 7.6%, p=0.05; and 12.6% vs. 9.1%, p<0.001, respectively). No differences were recorded in prolonged stay (35.7% vs. 33.8%) or post-discharge adverse events (32.9% vs. 31.8%). In the model adjusted for baseline and decompensation episode differences, inadequate treatment with digoxin was not significantly associated with any outcome, with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95% CI=0.85-2.03) for in-hospital mortality; 1.29 (0.74-2.25) for 30-day mortality; 1.07 (0.82-1.40) for prolonged stay; and 0.88 (0.65-1.19) for post-discharge adverse event. Conclusion There is a profile of patients with AHF who inadequately receive digoxin, although this inadequateness for chronic digitalis treatment was not associated with short-term adverse outcomes (AU)

Impacto pronóstico de metformina en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e insuficiencia cardiaca aguda. Análisis combinado de los registros EAHFE y RICA / Prognostic impact of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute heart failure: Combined analysis of the EAHFE and RICA registries

Introducción Los pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) e insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) presentan peor pronóstico a pesar de los avances terapéuticos en ambas enfermedades. Los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2 y agonistas del receptor de GLP-1 han demostrado beneficios cardiovasculares y se han posicionado como primer escalón en el tratamiento de DM en pacientes con IC o elevado riesgo cardiovascular. Sin embargo, en los ensayos pivotales la mayoría de los pacientes recibe tratamiento concomitante con metformina. Todavía no se han desarrollado ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para evaluar el impacto pronóstico de la metformina a nivel cardiovascular. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar si los pacientes con DM e IC aguda que recibían tratamiento con metformina en el momento del alta podrían presentar mejor pronóstico al año de seguimiento. Métodos Ensayo de cohortes prospectivo mediante el análisis combinado de los 2 principales registros españoles de IC: el Registro Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments –EAHFE– y el Registro Nacional de Pacientes con Insuficiencia Cardiaca –RICA–. Resultados De un total de 4.403 pacientes con DM tipo 2, recibió tratamiento con metformina el 33% (1.453). Este grupo presentó una mortalidad significativamente inferior al año de tratamiento (22 versus 32%; test de Log Rank p<0,001). En el análisis ajustado de mortalidad, los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento con metformina presentaron menor mortalidad al año de seguimiento independientemente del resto de las variables (RR 0,814; IC 95% 0,712-0,930; p<0,01). Conclusiones Los pacientes con DM tipo 2 e IC aguda que recibieron metformina presentaron mejor pronóstico al año de seguimiento, por lo que consideramos que este fármaco debe continuar siendo un pilar fundamental en el tratamiento de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) have a worse prognosis despite therapeutic advances in both diseases. Sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 and GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown cardiovascular benefits and have been positioned as the first step in the treatment of DM in patients with HF or high cardiovascular risk. However, in the pivotal trials the majority of patients receives concomitant treatment with metformin. Randomized clinical trials have not yet been developed to assess the prognostic impact of metformin at the cardiovascular level. Our objective was to analyze whether patients with DM and acute HF who receive treatment with metformin at the time of discharge may have had a better prognosis at one year of follow-up. Methods Prospective cohort trial using the combined analysis of the 2 main Spanish HF registries: the Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments registry –EAHFE– and the National Registry of Patients with Heart Failure –RICA–. Results 33% (1453) of a total of 4403 patients with DM type 2 received treatment with metformin. This group presented significantly lower mortality after one year of treatment (22 vs. 32%; Log Rank test, p<0.001). In the adjusted analysis of mortality, patients receiving treatment with metformin had lower mortality at one year of follow-up regardless of the rest of the variables (RR 0.814; 95% CI: 0.712–0.930; p<0.01). Conclusions Patients with DM type 2 and acute HF who received metformin had a better prognosis after one year of follow-up, so we believe that this drug should continue to be a fundamental pillar in the treatment of these patients (AU)

Prognostic impact of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute heart failure: Combined analysis of the EAHFE and RICA registries.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) have a worse prognosis despite therapeutic advances in both diseases. Sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 and GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown cardiovascular benefits and they have been positioned as the first step in the treatment of DM in patients with HF or high cardiovascular risk. However, in the pivotal trials the majority of patients receive concomitant treatment with metformin. Randomized clinical trials have not yet been developed to assess the prognostic impact of metformin at the cardiovascular level. Our objective has been centered in analyzing whether patients with DM and acute HF who receive treatment with metformin at the time of discharge may have a better prognosis at one year of follow-up. METHODS: Prospective cohort trial using the combined analysis of the two main Spanish HF registries, the EAHFE Registry (Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments) and the RICA (National Registry of Patients with Heart Failure). RESULTS: 33% (1453) of a total of 4403 patients with DM type 2 received treatment with metformin. This group presents significantly lower mortality after one year of treatment (22 versus 32%; Log Rank test P < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis of mortality, patients receiving treatment with metformin have lower mortality at one year of follow-up regardless of the rest of the variables (RR 0,814; 95%IC 0,712-0,930; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DM type 2 and acute HF who receive metformin have a better prognosis after one year of follow-up, so we believe that this drug should continue to be a fundamental pillar in the treatment of these patients.

Factors associated with unjustified chronic treatment with digoxin in patients with acute heart failure and relationship with short-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors related to inadequate chronic treatment with digoxin and whether the inadequacy of treatment has an impact on short-term outcome. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with AHF who were in chronic treatment with digoxin, were selected. Digoxin treatment was classified as adequate or inadequate. We investigated factors associated to inadequacy and whether such inadequacy was associated with in-hospital and 30-day mortality, prolonged hospital stay (>7 days) and combined adverse event (re-consultation to the ED or hospitalization for AHF or death from any cause) during the 30 days after discharge. RESULTS: We analyzed 2,366 patients on chronic digoxin treatment (median age = 83 years, women = 61%), which was considered adequate in 1,373 cases (58.0%) and inadequate in 993 (42.0%). The inadequacy was associated with older age, less comorbidity, less treatment with beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin inhibitors, better ventricular function, and worse Barthel index. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was higher in patients with inadequate digoxin treatment (9.9% versus 7.6%, p = 0.05; and 12.6% versus 9.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). No differences were recorded in prolonged stay (35.7% versus 33.8%) or post-discharge adverse events (32.9% versus 31.8%). In the model adjusted for baseline and decompensation episode differences, inadequate treatment with digoxin was not significantly associated with any outcome, with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95%CI = 0.85-2.03) for in-hospital mortality; 1.29 (0.74-2.25) for 30-day mortality; 1.07 (0.82-1.40) for prolonged stay; and 0.88 (0.65-1.19) for post-discharge adverse event. CONCLUSION: There is a profile of patients with AHF who inadequately receive digoxin, although this inadequateness for chronic digitalis treatment was not associated with short-term adverse outcomes.

Dolor torácico secundario al consumo de drogas atendido en urgencias hospitalarias en España / Chest pain secondary to drug use treated in hospital emergency departments in Spain

Objetivo Conocer las características de los pacientes con dolor torácico (DT) asociado al consumo reciente de drogas. Método Estudio de los casos del Registro REUrHE atendidos en urgencias de 11 hospitales españoles por DT tras el consumo de drogas de uso recreacional. Resultados El DT supuso el 8,97% de las asistencias (varones 82,9%, p<0,001). La cocaína estaba presente en el 70% de los casos, seguida del cannabis (35,7%) y las anfetaminas y derivados (21,4%). La clínica inicial más frecuente fue: palpitaciones (45,5%, p<0,001), ansiedad (42,5%, p<0,001), hipertensión (13,6%, p<0,001) y arritmias (5,9%, p<0,001). Recibieron más tratamiento los pacientes con DT (81,9% vs. 74,1%; p<0,001), aunque ingresaron menos (7,6%, p=0,0), sin diferencias en cuanto a maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar, sedación, intubación, o ingreso en cuidados intensivos (1,9%). Conclusiones En el DT tras una intoxicación aguda por drogas predomina el uso de la cocaína, aunque aumentan los casos por consumo de cannabis (AU)

Objective To determine the characteristics of patients with chest pain (CP) associated with recent drug use. Methods Study of cases from the REUrHE registry attended in the emergency department of 11 Spanish hospitals for CP following recreational drug use. Results CP accounted for 8.97% of attendances (males 82.9%, P<.001). Cocaine was present in 70% of cases, followed by cannabis (35.7%) and amphetamines and derivatives (21.4%). The most frequent initial symptoms were: palpitations (45.5%, P<.001), anxiety (42.5%, P<.001), hypertension (13.6%, P<.001) and arrhythmias (5.9%, P<.001). Patients with TD received more treatment (81.9% vs. 74.1%; P<.001), although they were admitted less (7.6%, P=.0), with no differences in terms of CPR manoeuvres, sedation, intubation, or admission to intensive care (1.9%). Conclusions In CP following acute drug intoxication, cocaine use predominates, although cases of cannabis use are increasing (AU)

Chest pain secondary to drug use treated in hospital emergency departments in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of patients with chest pain (CP) associated with recent drug use. METHODS: Study of cases from the REUrHE registry attended in the emergency department of 11 Spanish hospitals for CP following recreational drug use. RESULTS: CP accounted for 8.97% of attendances (males 82.9%, p<0.001). Cocaine was present in 70% of cases, followed by cannabis (35.7%) and amphetamines and derivatives (21.4%). The most frequent initial symptoms were: palpitations (45.5%, p<0.001), anxiety (42.5%, p<0.001), hypertension (13.6%, p<0.001) and arrhythmias (5.9%, p<0.001). Patients with TD received more treatment (81.9% vs 74.1%; p<0.001), although they were admitted less (7.6%, p=0.0), with no differences in terms of CPR manoeuvres, sedation, intubation, or admission to intensive care (1.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In CP following acute drug intoxication, cocaine use predominates, although cases of cannabis use are increasing.

[Emergency detection of HIV infection in patients consulting for conditions potentially related to occult infection: Initial results of the "Urgències VIHgila" program]. / Detección en urgencias de infección por VIH en pacientes que consultan por condiciones potencialmente relacionadas con infección oculta: Resultados iniciales del programa "Urgències VIHgila".

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of unknown HIV infection in patients who consulted in hospital emergency services (ED) for conditions defined in the SEMES-GESIDA Consensus Document (DC), evaluate the efficiency of its im-plementation and investigate the efficiency of HIV serology determination in other conditions. METHODS: Results were reviewed in 10 Catalan EDs for 12 months (July-21-June-22) after implementing CD recommendations: request HIV serology in case of suspected sexually transmitted infection, chemsex, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), mononucleosis syndrome, community pneumonia (18-65 y-o) or herpes zoster (18-65 y-o). Other reasons for request were included. Prevalence (%) of global seropositivity and for each circumstance was calculated, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The efficient strategy was considered if the lower limit of the CI95%>0.1%. RESULTS: A total of5,107 HIV serologies were performed: 2,847(56%) in situations specified in CD, and 2,266 (44%) in other 138 circumstances. Forty-eight unknown HIV infections were detected (prevalence=0.94%;95%CI=0.69-1.24). The prevalence was somewhat higher in DC requests (30 cas-es 1.12%) than the rest (18 cases 0.71%; p=0.16). The individualized prevalence of CD reasons ranged between 7.41% (95%CI=0.91-24.3) in chemsex and 0.42% 95%CI=0.14-0.98) in PPE, always efficient except herpes zoster (0.76%; CI95%=0.02-4.18). In other reasons, cases were detected in 12 circumstances, and in four the determination could be efficient: lymphopenia (10%;CI95%=0.25-44.5), fever with polyarthralgia-polyarthritis (7.41%;CI95% =0.91-24.3), behavioral alteration-confusion-encephalopathy (3.45%;95%CI=0.42-11.9) and fever of unknown origin (2.50%;95%CI=0.82-5.74). CONCLUSIONS: The determination of HIV serology in HES in the processes defined by DC SEMES-GESIDA is efficient. Some circumstances are identified that could be added to those previously contemplated to increase efficiency.

Análisis de la efectividad y seguridad de las unidades de estancia corta en la hospitalización de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda. Propensity Score UCE-EAHFE / Analysis of the effectiveness and safety of short-stay units in the hospitalization of patients with acute heart failure. Propensity Score SSU-EAHFE

Objetivos Analizar si la hospitalización en unidades de corta estancia (UCE) de pacientes diagnosticados en urgencias de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda (ICA) resulta efectiva en términos de estancia hospitalaria y si se asocia con diferencias en la evolución a corto plazo. Método Se incluyeron los pacientes del registro EAHFE diagnosticados de ICA que ingresaron en UCE (grupo UCE) y se compararon con los hospitalizados en otros servicios (grupo No-UCE) procedentes de todos los hospitales (comparación A) y, separadamente, de hospitales con UCE (comparación B) y sin UCE (comparación C). Para cada comparación, se emparejaron pacientes de los grupos UCE/No-UCE por puntuación de propensión, y se comparó la estancia hospitalaria (eficacia) y mortalidad a 30 días y evento adverso posalta a 30 días (seguridad). Resultados Se identificaron 2.003 pacientes UCE y 12.193 No-UCE. Se emparejaron 674 pares de pacientes para la comparación A, 634 para la comparación B y 588 para la comparación C. La estancia hospitalaria fue significativamente inferior en el grupo UCE en todas las comparaciones (A: mediana 4 días [RIC = 2–5] versus 8 [5–12] días, p < 0,001; B: 4 [2–5] versus 8 [5–12], p < 0,001; C: 4 [2–5] versus 8 [6–12], p < 0,001). El ingreso en UCE no se asoció a diferencias en mortalidad (A: HR = 1,027, IC95% = 0,681−1,549; B: 0,976, 0,647−1,472; C: 0,818, 0,662−1,010) ni en eventos adversos posalta (A: 1,002, 0,816−1,232; B: 0,983, 0,796−1,215; C: 1,135, 0,905−1,424). Conclusión La hospitalización de los pacientes con ICA en UCE se asocia con estancias más cortas sin diferencias en la evolución a corto plazo (AU)

Objectives This work aims to analyze if hospitalization in short-stay units (SSU) of patients diagnosed in the emergency department with acute heart failure (AHF) is effective in terms of the length of hospital stay and if it is associated with differences in short-term progress. Method Patients from the EAHFE registry diagnosed with AHF who were admitted to the SSU (SSU group) were included and compared to those hospitalized in other departments (non-SSU group) from all hospitals (comparison A) and, separately, those from hospitals with an SSU (comparison B) and without an SSU (comparison C). For each comparison, patients in the SSU/non-SSU groups were matched by propensity score. The length of hospital stay (efficacy), 30-day mortality, and post-discharge adverse events at 30 days (safety) were compared. Results A total of 2,003 SSU patients and 12,193 non-SSU patients were identified. Of them, 674 pairs of patients were matched for comparison A, 634 for comparison B, and 588 for comparison C. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the SSU group in all comparisons (A: median 4 days (IQR = 2–5) versus 8 (5–12) days, p < 0.001; B: 4 (2–5) versus 8 (5–12), p < 0.001; C: 4 (2–5) versus 8 (6–12), p < 0.001). Admission to the SSU was not associated with differences in mortality (A: HR = 1.027, 95%CI = 0.681–1.549; B: 0.976, 0.647–1.472; C: 0.818, 0.662–1.010) or post-discharge adverse events (A: HR = 1.002, 95%CI = 0.816–1.232; B: 0.983, 0.796–1.215; C: 1.135, 0.905–1.424). Conclusion The hospitalization of patients with AHF in the SSU is associated with shorter hospital stays but there were no differences in short-term progress (AU)

Analysis of the effectiveness and safety of short-stay units in the hospitalization of patients with acute heart failure. Propensity Score SSU-EAHFE.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims to analyze if hospitalization in short-stay units (SSU) of patients diagnosed in the emergency department with acute heart failure (AHF) is effective in terms of the length of hospital stay and if it is associated with differences in short-term progress. METHOD: Patients from the EAHFE registry diagnosed with AHF who were admitted to the SSU (SSU group) were included and compared to those hospitalized in other departments (non-SSU group) from all hospitals (comparison A) and, separately, those from hospitals with an SSU (comparison B) and without an SSU (comparison C). For each comparison, patients in the SSU/non-SSU groups were matched by propensity score. The length of hospital stay (efficacy), 30-day mortality, and post-discharge adverse events at 30 days (safety) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 2,003 SSU patients and 12,193 non-SSU patients were identified. Of them, 674 pairs of patients were matched for comparison A, 634 for comparison B, and 588 for comparison C. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the SSU group in all comparisons (A: median 4 days (IQR = 2-5) versus 8 (5-12) days, p < 0.001; B: 4 (2-5) versus 8 (5-12), p < 0.001; C: 4 (2-5) versus 8 (6-12), p < 0.001). Admission to the SSU was not associated with differences in mortality (A: HR = 1.027, 95%CI = 0.681-1.549; B: 0.976, 0.647-1.472; C: 0.818, 0.662-1.010) or post-discharge adverse events (A: HR = 1.002, 95%CI = 0.816-1.232; B: 0.983, 0.796-1.215; C: 1.135, 0.905-1.424). CONCLUSION: The hospitalization of patients with AHF in the SSU is associated with shorter hospital stays but there were no differences in short-term progress.

Pronóstico de la insuficiencia cardíaca aguda basado en datos clínicos de congestión / Prognosis of acute heart failure based on clinical data of congestion

Antecedentes y objetivos Evaluar si los síntomas/signos de congestión en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda (ICA) atendidos en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) permiten predecir la evolución a corto plazo. Pacientes y métodos Pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de ICA en 45 SUH del registro EAHFE. Recogimos variables clínicas de congestión sistémica (edemas en miembros inferiores, ingurgitación yugular, hepatomegalia) y pulmonar (disnea de esfuerzo, disnea paroxística nocturna, ortopnea y crepitantes pulmonares) analizando su asociación con la mortalidad por cualquier causa a 30 días, de forma cruda y ajustada por diferencias entre grupos. Resultado Analizamos 18.120 pacientes (mediana=83 años, rango intercuartil [RIC]=76-88; mujeres=55,7%). El 44,6% presentaba >3 síntomas/signos congestivos. Individualmente, el riesgo ajustado de muerte a 30 días se incrementó un 14% para la existencia de ingurgitación yugular (hazard ratio [HR]=1,14; intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%]=1,01-1,28) y un 96% para la disnea de esfuerzo (HR=1,96; IC 95%=1,55-2,49). Valorados conjuntamente, el riesgo se incrementó progresivamente con el número de síntomas/signos presentes; así, respecto a los pacientes sin síntomas/signos de congestión, el riesgo incrementó un 109, 123 y 156% en pacientes con 1-2, 3-5 y 6-7 síntomas/signos, respectivamente. Estas asociaciones no mostraron interacción con la disposición final del paciente tras su atención en urgencias (alta/hospitalización), con excepción de edemas en extremidades inferiores, que tuvieron mejor pronóstico en pacientes dados de alta (HR=0,66; IC 95%=0,49-0,89) que en los hospitalizados (HR=1,01; IC 95%=0,65-1,57; p interacción <0,001). Conclusión La presencia de mayor número de síntomas/signos congestivos se asoció a una mayor mortalidad de cualquier causa a los 30 días. Individualmente, la ingurgitación yugular y la disnea de esfuerzo se asocian a mayor mortalidad a corto plazo (AU)

Background and objectives This work aims to assess whether symptoms/signs of congestion in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) evaluated in hospital emergency departments (HED) allows for predicting short-term progress. Patients and methods The study group comprised consecutive patients diagnosed with AHF in 45 HED from EAHFE Registry. We collected clinical variables of systemic congestion (edema in the lower extremities, jugular vein distention, hepatomegaly) and pulmonary congestion (dyspnea on exertion, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary crackles) and analyzed their individual and group association with all-cause 30-day of mortality crudely and adjusted for differences between groups. Results We analyzed 18,120 patients (median=83 years, interquartile range [IQR]=76-88; women=55.7%). Of them, 44.6% had >3 congestive symptoms/signs. Individually, the 30-day adjusted risk of death increased 14% for jugular vein distention (hazard ratio [HR]=1.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.01-1.28) and 96% for dyspnea on exertion (HR=1.96, 95% CI=1.55-2.49). Assessed jointly, the risk progressively increased with the number of symptoms/signs present; compared to patients without symptoms/signs of congestion, the risk increased by 109%, 123%, and 156% in patients with 1-2, 3-5, and 6-7 symptoms/signs, respectively. These associations did not show interaction with the final disposition of the patient after their emergency care (discharge/hospitalization) with the exception of edema in the lower extremities, which had a better prognosis in discharged patients (HR=0.66, 95% CI=0.49 -0.89) than hospitalized patients (HR=1.01, 95% CI=0.65-1.57; interaction p<0.001). Conclusion The presence of a greater number of congestive symptoms/signs was associated with greater all-cause 30-day mortality. Individually, jugular vein distention and dyspnea on exertion were associated with higher short-term mortality (AU)

Prevalencia e impacto en el pronóstico del bloqueo de rama derecha en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda: hallazgos del registro RICA / Prevalence and impact on prognosis of right-bundle branch block in patients with acute heart failure: Findings from the RICA registry

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia, las características y el impacto en el pronóstico del bloqueo de rama derecha (BRD) en una cohorte de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda (ICA). Métodos: Analizamos prospectivamente 3.638 pacientes con ICA incluidos en el Registro Nacional de Insuficiencia Cardíaca de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (RICA). Analizamos de forma independiente la relación entre las características basales y clínicas y la presencia de BRD, y el impacto potencial del BRD en la mortalidad por todas las causas a un año y el evento combinado de hospitalización o muerte a 90 días después del alta. Resultados: La prevalencia de BRD fue del 10,9%. Los pacientes con BRD eran de edad más avanzada, con mayor proporción de sexo masculino y comorbilidades pulmonares, valores más altos de fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo y peor estado funcional. No hubo diferencias en riesgo para los pacientes con BRD, con un cociente de riesgo ajustado (intervalo de confianza del 95%) para la mortalidad a un año de 1,05 (0,83-1,32) y para el evento combinado a 90 días después del alta de 0,97 (0,74-1,25). Estos resultados fueron consistentes en los análisis de sensibilidad. Conclusiones: Pocos pacientes con ICA presentan BRD, que se asocia consistentemente con la edad avanzada, el sexo masculino, las comorbilidades pulmonares, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo preservada y el peor estado funcional. Sin embargo, después de tener en cuenta estos factores, el BRD en pacientes con ICA no se asocia a peores resultados (AU)

Objectives: This work aims to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on prognosis of right bundle branch block (RBBB) in a cohort of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 3,638 AHF patients included in the RICA registry (National Heart Failure Registry of the Spanish Internal Medicine Society). We independently analyzed the relationship between baseline and clinical characteristics and the presence of RBBB as well as the potential impact of RBBB on 1-year all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death. Results: The prevalence of RBBB was 10.9%. Patients with RBBB were older, a higher proportion were male, had more pulmonary comorbidities, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction values, and had worse functional status. There were no differences in risk for patients with RBBB, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for 1-year mortality of 1.05 (0.83-1.32), and for the composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death of 0.97 (0.74-1.25). These results were consistent on the sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Few patients with AHF present with RBBB, which is consistently associated with advanced age, male sex, pulmonary comorbidities, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and worse functional status. Nonetheless, after considering these factors, RBBB in AHF patients is not associated with worse outcomes (AU)

Prevalence and impact on prognosis of right-bundle branch block in patients with acute heart failure: Findings from the RICA registry.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on prognosis of right bundle branch block (RBBB) in a cohort of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 3,638 AHF patients included in the RICA registry (National Heart Failure Registry of the Spanish Internal Medicine Society). We independently analyzed the relationship between baseline and clinical characteristics and the presence of RBBB as well as the potential impact of RBBB on 1-year all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death. RESULTS: The prevalence of RBBB was 10.9%. Patients with RBBB were older, a higher proportion were male, had more pulmonary comorbidities, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction values, and had worse functional status. There were no differences in risk for patients with RBBB, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for 1-year mortality of 1.05 (0.83-1.32), and for the composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death of 0.97 (0.74-1.25). These results were consistent on the sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with AHF present with RBBB, which is consistently associated with advanced age, male sex, pulmonary comorbidities, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and worse functional status. Nonetheless, after considering these factors, RBBB in AHF patients is not associated with worse outcomes.

[Current situation of sepsis care in Spanish emergency departments]. / Mapa de la situación actual de la atención a la sepsis en los servicios de urgencias españoles.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the approach to the patients with suspected sepsis in the Spanish emergency department hospitals (ED) and analyze whether there are differences according to the size of the hospital and the number of visits to the emergency room. METHODS: Structured survey of those responsible for the 282 public EDs that serve adults 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It was asked about assistance and management in the emergency room in the care of patients with suspected sepsis. The results are compared according to hospital size (large ≥ 500 beds vs medium-small <500) and influx to the emergency room (discharge ≥ 200 visits / day vs medium-low <200). RESULTS: A total of 250 Spanish EDs responded (89%). Sepsis protocols are available in 163 (65%) EDs median weekly sepsis treated ranged from 0-5 per week in 39 (71%) ED, 6-10 per week in 10 (18%), 11-15 per week in 4 (7%), and more than 15 activations per week in 3 centers (3.6%). The criteria used for sepsis diagnosis were the qSOFA/SOFA in 105 (63.6%) of the hospitals, SIRS in 6 (3.6%), while in 49 (29.7%) they used both criteria simultaneously. In 79 centers, the sepsis diagnosis was computerized, and in 56 there were tools to help decision-making. 48% (79 of 163) of the EDs had data on bundles compliance. In 61% (99 of 163) of EDs there was training in sepsis and in 56% (55 of 99) it was periodic. Considering the size of the hospital, large hospitals participated more frequently as recipients of patients with sepsis and had an infectious, sepsis and short-stay unit, a microbiologist and infectious disease specialist on duty. CONCLUSIONS: Most EDs have sepsis protocols, but there is room for improvement. The computerization and development of alerts for diagnosis and treatment still have a long way to go in EDs.

Impacto de las características estructurales y organizativas hospitalarias y de urgencias en el resultado evolutivo de la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda / Impact of hospital and emergency department structural and organizational characteristics on outcomes of acute heart failure

Introducción y objetivos: Investigar si diferentes características estructurales/organizativas del hospital y del servicio de urgencias (SU) impactan en los resultados de la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Métodos: Análisis secundario del Registro EAHFE. Se recogieron 6 características hospitalarias y del SU, y se relacionaron con 7 resultados tras el evento índice y tras el alta, ajustados por año de inclusión, características basales y del episodio de ICA y por dichas características estructurales/organizativas. También se relacionó el porcentaje de altas directas desde urgencias (ADU) y resultados, y si había interacción según las características hospitalarias o del SU. Resultados: Cuarenta SU españoles incluyeron 17.974 episodios de ICA. Hubo menos estancias prolongadas en hospitales de alta tecnología, con hospitalización a domicilio y con SU con alta frecuentación, y más estancias prolongadas en hospitales con unidad de insuficiencia cardiaca y área de observación en urgencias. Los hospitales de alta tecnología presentaron menor mortalidad hospitalaria (OR=0,78; IC95%, 0,65-0,94). Respecto a eventos 30 días tras el alta, los hospitales con unidad de corta estancia (UCE) tuvieron más hospitalizaciones (OR=1,19; IC95%, 1,02-1,38); los SU con alta afluencia, menor mortalidad (OR=0,73; IC95%, 0,56-0,96) y eventos combinados (OR=0,87; IC95%, 0,76-0,99), y los hospitales con unidad de insuficiencia cardiaca, menos reconsultas a urgencias (OR=0,83; IC95%, 0,76-0,91), hospitalizaciones (OR=0,85; IC95%, 0,75-0,97) y eventos combinados (OR=0,84; IC95%, 0,77-0,92). A más ADU, menos estancias prolongadas. Entre otras interacciones, el incremento de ADU se asoció con más reconsultas, hospitalizaciones y eventos combinados a los 30 días del alta en hospitales sin UCE, pero no en hospitales con UCE (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To determine whether structural/organizational characteristics of hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) affect acute heart failure (AHF) outcomes. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the EAHFE Registry. Six hospital/ED characteristics were collected and were related to 7 postindex events and postdischarge outcomes, adjusted by the period of patient inclusion, baseline patient characteristics, AHF episode features, and hospital and ED characteristics. The relationship between discharge directly from the ED (DDED) and outcomes was assessed, and interaction was analyzed according to the hospital/ED characteristics. Results: We analyzed 17 974 AHF episodes included by 40 Spanish EDs. Prolonged stays were less frequent in high-technology hospitals and those with hospitalization at home and with high-inflow EDs, and were more frequent in hospitals with a heart failure unit (HFU) and an ED observation unit. In-hospital mortality was lower in high-technology hospitals (OR, 0.78; 95%CI, 0.65-0.94). Analysis of 30-day postdischarge outcomes showed that hospitals with a short-stay unit (SSU) had higher hospitalization rates (OR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.02-1.38), high-inflow EDs had lower mortality (OR, 0.73; 95%CI, 0.56-0.96) and fewer combined events (OR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.76-0.99), while hospitals with HFU had fewer ED reconsultations (OR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.76-0.91), hospitalizations (OR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.75-0.97), and combined events (OR, 0.84; 95%CI, 0.77-0.92). The higher the percentage of DDED, the fewer the prolonged stays. Among other interactions, we found that more frequent DDED was associated with more 30-day postdischarge reconsultations, hospitalizations and combined events in hospitals without SSUs, but not in hospitals with an SSU. Conclusions: AHF outcomes were significantly affected by the structural/organizational characteristics of hospitals and EDs and their aggressiveness in ED management (AU)

Prognosis of acute heart failure based on clinical data of congestion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This work aims to assess whether symptoms/signs of congestion in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) evaluated in hospital emergency departments (HED) allows for predicting short-term progress. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised consecutive patients diagnosed with AHF in 45 HED from EAHFE Registry. We collected clinical variables of systemic congestion (edema in the lower extremities, jugular vein distention, hepatomegaly) and pulmonary congestion (dyspnea on exertion, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary crackles) and analysed their individual and group association with all-cause 30-day of mortality crudely and adjusted for differences between groups. RESULTS: We analysed 18,120 patients (median = 83 years, interquartile range [IQR] = 76-88; women = 55.7%). Of them, 44.6% had > 3 congestive symptoms/signs. Individually, the 30-day adjusted risk of death increased 14% for jugular vein distention (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.01-1.28) and 96% for dyspnea on exertion (HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.55-2.49). Assessed jointly, the risk progressively increased with the number of symptoms/signs present; compared to patients without symptoms/signs of congestion, the risk increased by 109%, 123 %, and 156% in patients with 1-2, 3-5, and 6-7 symptoms/signs, respectively. These associations did not show interaction with the final disposition of the patient after their emergency care (discharge/hospitalization) with the exception of edema in the lower extremities, which had a better prognosis in discharged patients (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49-0.89) than hospitalised patients (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.65-1.57; interaction p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The presence of a greater number of congestive symptoms/signs was associated with greater all-cause 30-day mortality. Individually, jugular vein distention and dyspnea on exertion were associated with higher short-term mortality.

Increased severity in SARS-CoV-2 infection of minorities in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: With the global spread of COVID-19, studies in the US and UK have shown that certain communities have been strongly impacted by COVID-19 in terms of incidence and mortality. The objective of the study was to determine social determinants of health among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the two major cities of Spain. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective case series study was performed collecting administrative databases of all COVID-19 patients ≥18 years belonging to two centers in Madrid and two in Barcelona (Spain) collecting data from 1st March to 15th April 2020. Variables obtained age, gender, birthplace and residence ZIP code. From ZIP code we obtained per capita income of the area. Predictors of the outcomes were explored through generalized linear mixed-effects models, using center as random effect. RESULTS: There were 5,235 patients included in the analysis. After multivariable analysis adjusted by age, sex, per capita income, population density, hospital experience, center and hospital saturation, patients born in Latin American countries were found to have an increase in ICU admission rates (OR 1.56 [1.13-2.15], p<0.01) but no differences were found in the same model regarding mortality (OR 1.35 [0.95-1.92], p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 severity varies widely, not only depending on biological but also socio-economic factors. With the emerging evidence that this subset of population is at higher risk of poorer outcomes, targeted public health strategies and studies are needed.

Análisis de la evolución de consultas atendidas en los servicios deurgencias españoles durante la primera ola pandémica / Analysis of the evolution of patients attended in Spanish emergency departments during the first wave of the pandemic

Fundamento: Describir el número de consultas, total y porCOVID-19, atendidas en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios(SUH) españoles durante marzo y abril de 2020, compararlocon el mismo periodo del año anterior, cuantificar el cambiode actividad asistencial e investigar la posible influencia deltamaño del hospital y de la seroprevalencia provincial deCOVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal. Se envió una encuesta a todoslos responsables de SUH españoles del sistema público de salud sobre el número de consultas atendidas durante marzo yabril de 2019 y de 2020. Se calculó el cambio de actividad asistencial por comunidad autónoma, y se comparó en función deltamaño del hospital y del impacto provincial de la pandemia.Resultados: Participaron el 66 % de los 283 SUH. Se observó undescenso del 49,2 % de las consultas totales (solo los SUH deCastilla-La Mancha mostraron un descenso inferior al 30 %) ydel 60 % de las consultas no-COVID-19 (solo los SUH de Asturias y Extremadura mostraron un descenso inferior al 50 %). elcambio de actividad asistencial no difirió en función del tamaño del hospital, pero sí en relación al impacto provincial de lapandemia, con una correlación directa respecto al descensode actividad no-COVID-19 (a mayor impacto, mayor descenso;R2 = 0,05; p = 0,002) e inversa en relación a la actividad global (amayor impacto, menor descenso; R2 = 0,05; p = 0,002).Conclusiones: Durante la primera ola pandémica descendió elnúmero de consultas en los SUH, si bien dicho descenso nose explica únicamente por la incidencia local de la pandemia.(AU)

Background: To describe the number of visits (total and perCOVID-19) attended by the Spanish hospital emergency departments (EDs) during March and April 2020 compared to thesame period in 2019, and to calculate the quantitative changesin healthcare activity and investigate the possible influence ofhospital size and regional COVID-19 seroprevalence. Method: Cross-sectional study that analyzes the number ofvisits to Spanish public EDs, reported through a survey ofED chiefs during the study periods. Changes in healthcareactivity were described in each autonomous community andcompared according to hospital size and the regional impactof the pandemic. Results: The 66% of the 283 Spanish EDs participated in thestudy. The total number of patients attended decreased to49.2 % (< 30 % in the Castilla-La Mancha region), with a 60 %reduction in non-COVID-19 patients (reduction < 50 % only inthe regions of Asturias and Extremadura). While there wereno differences in changes of healthcare activity according tothe size of the hospital, there were differences in relation tothe regional impact of the pandemic, with a direct correlationrelated to the decrease in non-COVID-19 activity (the greaterthe impact, the greater the decrease; R2 = 0.05; p = 0.002) andan inverse correlation to the overall activity (the greater theimpact, the lesser the decrease; R2 = 0.05; p = 0.002). Conclusion: There was a very significant decrease in the numberof ED visits during the first pandemic wave, although this decreasecannot be explained solely by the local incidence of the pandemic.(AU)

[Map of sexually transmitted disease care in Spanish emergency departments]. / Mapa de la atención a las infecciones de transmisión sexual en los servicios de urgencias españoles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the approaches used in Spanish emergency departments (EDs) in patients suspected of having sexually transmitted diseases (STD) analysed according to the size of the hospital, ED census and autonomous community. METHODS: Questionnaire to the heads of 282 public EDs (7/24) related to emergency routines for patients with suspected STD. Results compared using odds-ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) according to hospital size (large vs medium-small: ≥500 vs. <500 beds) and ED census (high vs. medium-low: ≥200 vs. <200 patients/day), by autonomous community. RESULTS: A total of 250 EDs responded (89%). With protocol for STD 36% of EDs [>60% Catalonia, Vasque Country, more in large hospitals (LH), (OR=2.65, 95%CI=1.46-4.82) and high census (HCEN) EDs, (OR=3.49, 95%CI=2.03-5.98)]. 70% obtained exudate sampling (>80% Catalonia, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Navarra, Vasque Country), 44% STD serology (>60% Madrid) and 35% HIV serology [(>60% Navarra, Baleares; more in LH (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.34-4.42) and HCEN EDs (OR=1.94, 95%CI=1.15-3.29)]. At discharge, follow-up in hospital outpatients clinics 53% of EDs [>60% Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, Vasque Country, Asturias; more in LH (OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.31-4.57) and HCEN EDs (OR=2.25, 95%CI=1.35-3.76)] and by primary care 28% (>80% Cantabria). In 55% of EDs, patients are discharged with a scheduled follow-up (>80% Extremadura, La Rioja, Navarra) and 32% visit next workday [>60% Vasque Country; more in LH (OR=3.43, 95%CI=1.87-6.30) and HCEN EDs (OR=3.63, 95%CI=2.08-6.37)]. CONCLUSIONS: The care of patients with suspected STD is not homogeneous in Spanish EDs. Areas of improvement were detected, especially the need for specific diagnostic and follow-up protocols.