Blunted Pain Modulation Response to Induced Stress in Women with Fibromyalgia with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Comorbidity: New Evidence of Hypo-Reactivity to Stress in Fibromyalgia?

There is evidence regarding the presence of alterations in both the stress response and the endogenous pain modulation systems of people with fibromyalgia (FM). However, research on pain modulation under induced stress on FM patients is scarce and contradictory. The present study analyzes stress-induced changes in pain and intolerance thresholds among FM patients, examining the possible existence of differences linked to PTSD comorbidity and gaining insights into the role of cardiovascular reactivity. Eighteen women diagnosed with FM and comorbid PTSD (FM + PTSD), 18 women diagnosed with FM and no PTSD (FM-PTSD), and 38 healthy women (HC) were exposed to the Social Stress Test task. Pressure pain thresholds and intolerance thresholds were measured before and during stress induction, and after a recovery period, while systolic blood pressure and heart rate were simultaneously recorded. Overall, while pain thresholds decreased during stress and recovery for HC, no significant changes were observed for women with FM. The intolerance threshold decreased for HC during stress, but was maintained at basal level during recovery. FM-PTSD women exhibited a delayed response, with a drop at recovery. For FM + PTSD, tolerance levels remained unchanged. In addition, cardiovascular reactivity did not seem to explain these results. This performance of the pain modulation system seems to follow the same pattern of hypoactive responsiveness under stressors that has previously been observed in FM patients on the autonomic and neuroendocrine axes. Such a hypoactive pattern may involve a non-adaptive response that may contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain.

[Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes in Spain]. / Adherencia a un estilo de vida saludable en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en España.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report on the main lifestyle components and related factors in adults with diabetes type 2 treated in Primary Care clinics in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and multicentre study was performed on a consecutive sample of patients with type 2 diabetes attending 25 Primary Care clinics between April 2018 and April 2019. Data were collected by auditing the computerised medical records, and an interview. An analysis was carried out on adherence to 4 healthy lifestyle trends (Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and emotional well-being). RESULTS: A total of 412 patients were included in the analysis (mean age 69 (SD 8.65) years; 50.2% men). Only a minority was highly adherent to the Mediterranean diet, 92 (22.3%). Regular physical activity was carried out by 189 (45.8%). A total of 361 (87.6%) were non-smoking, and 259 (62.8%) felt emotional well-being. A small number (9, 2.1%) of patients had not followed any of the healthy lifestyle recommendations, with 87 (21.1%) following one, 145 (35.1%) two, 128 (31%) three, and 43 (10.4%) all 4 healthy habits: diet, exercise, not smoking, and emotional well-being. Healthy lifestyle adherence was related to gender. Obesity is poorly associated with adherence to diet and physical activity. The results for age, time with the disease, socioeconomic status, and treatment regimen were not consistent. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggest that adherence to a healthy lifestyle pattern in DM2 is low. Less than a quarter follow a healthy diet, and less than a half practice regular exercise. Gender is the variable that most influences a healthy lifestyle in DM2, but not age, time with the disease, or treatment regimen.

[Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents and young adults in primary care]. / Manejo de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes en atención primaria.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM2) diagnosed in childhood and adolescence is currently increasing, and is characterised by a rapidly progressive decline in beta-cells and insulin resistance. Physical inactivity and obesity are the main risk factors for its development. Diagnostic criteria are similar to those used in adults, although HbA1c as a diagnostic method is questioned. Diabetes-related complications are more aggressive than in adults. Diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent complication in the young population and macrovascular complications appear early, leading to high mortality rates. Healthy lifestyles are the basis of the treatment, and metformin, insulin and liraglutide (approved by FDA for its use in the United States) are the pharmacological options indicated in this population. It is important to establish models of health care transition from paediatric to adult care to ensure continuity of care and avoid patient disengagements.

Characteristics of patients with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) from the ARIAM-SEMICYUC registry: development of a score for predicting MINOCA.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with no evidence of relevant stenosis of the coronary artery, known as myocardial infarction (MI) with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), has a prevalence of up to 14%. The various causes of MINOCA lead to damage of the myocardium, and there are marked differences in diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments. Although the number of patients affected is considerable owing to the high prevalence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the causes of MINOCA have received little attention with the result that some patients may not receive appropriate treatment. Awareness of this disease among clinicians has started only to improve since the beginning of the current century. The aim of this study was to develop a score that enables patients with MINOCA to be distinguished from patients with MI with coronary artery disease (MI-CAD) and thus to facilitate appropriate diagnosis and therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter observational cohort study was designed. All patients aged ≥18 years from the ARIAM-SEMICYUC (Analysis of Delay in AMI-Spanish Society of Intensive Care Medicine and Coronary Unit) registry, diagnosed with AMI, and admitted to critical care units or coronary care units (CCUs) were included. Patients were classified into two groups: MINOCA, comprising patients with no significant lesions on angiography, and MI-CAD, comprising patients with lesions of the coronary artery tree. RESULTS: A score based on standard variables to assess the probability of MINOCA on admission was designed, showing a maximum value corresponding to a 40% probability of MINOCA. The discriminative power of the model was 0.756 (P-value for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was >0.05). At 30-day follow-up, the mortality rate was higher for MI-CAD patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with MINOCA constitute a population that differs from other patients with AMI. Their differential characteristics require a certain diagnostic effort to align therapy with the disease causing the ischemic event. This score could prove useful in establishing additional diagnostic procedures.

[The impact of therapeutic inertia and the degree of the medication adherence on the control goals for patients with diabetes]. / Impacto de la inercia terapéutica y del grado de adherencia al tratamiento en los objetivos de control en personas con diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyse both the impact of low therapeutic adherence (TA) and therapeutic inertia (TI) on poor blood glucose control and on risk factors for heart disease in patients with DM2. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Primary Halth Care centre. A total of 320 patients with DM2 were included and an assessment was made of control goals (HbA1c≤7%, blood pressure ≤130/80mmHg, and LDL-cholesterol≤100mg/dl). A pharmacy retrieval <80% was considered as a lack of TA and the non-modification of treatment in badly controlled patient as TI. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with good control of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol was 62.5%, 40.9%, and 35.9%, respectively. Lower figures of TA were present in poorly controlled patients, and TI was not found to be related to TA. In the patients with poor HbA1c control, 25.8% had TI, 24.8% poor TA, and 11.9% had both of them. As regards LDL-cholesterol, 3.6% presented poor TA, 70.4% showed TI, and 16% with poor TA and TI (P<.001). As for blood pressure, 3.5% of patients had poor TA, 54.6% had TI, and 21.5% of them had poor TA as well as TI (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of therapeutic adherence and therapeutic inertia were found in a high percentage of poorly-controlled DM2 patients with bad control. Therapeutic inertia was found to be of great relevance in this study.

[Consensus document on the treatment of dyslipidemia in diabetes]. / Recomendaciones de buena práctica en el tratamiento de la dislipemia en la diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a 2 to 4 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases when compared to general population of similar age and sex. This risk remains after adjustment of other traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus is present in up to 60% of people with diabetes and contributes greatly to increased cardiovascular, morbidity and mortality risk in these patients. Diabetic dyslipidemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by an excess of triglycerides, a decrease in HDL-cholesterol and altered lipoprotein composition, consisting mainly in an excess of small, dense LDL particles. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of drug treatment of dyslipidemia (mainly statins) to prevent cardiovascular events and mortality in people with diabetes, both in primary and secondary prevention. This consensus document, developed by general practitioners, members of the Diabetes Group of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN), aims to assist in the management of patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia in accordance with the most recent recommendations.

[Development of communication tool for patient safety ("Briefing"). Experience in a trauma and emergency intensive care unit]. / Desarrollo de una herramienta de comunicación para la seguridad del paciente (Briefing). Experiencia en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de trauma y emergencias.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a safety tool used in high-risk sectors (safety briefing) in intensive care medicine. DESIGN: A prospective, observational and analytical study was carried out. SETTING: Trauma and emergency intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score ISS≥16). INTERVENTION: Documentation of incidents related to patient safety (PS). VARIABLES: Patients characteristics, state of the Unit, patient safety incidents, aspects of the tool (SP) and safety culture impact. RESULTS: We included 441 patients (75.15% males, mean age 39.9±17.5 years), with blunt trauma in 89% and a 10.5% mortality rate. The tool was applied in 586 out of 798 possible shifts (73.4%), and documented 942 events (2.20 incidents per patient). The incidents were more frequently associated with medication (20.7%), devices (placement 4.03%, and maintenance 17.8%) and airway and mechanical ventilation (MV) (17.09%). A correlation was established between the occurrence of incidents and the characteristics of the patient (higher Injury Severity Score, presence of MV, and continuous renal replacement therapies) and the status of the Unit (more than 6 patients per shift out of 8 possible, and holiday period). The tool significantly influenced different aspects of the safety culture of the unit (communication frequency, number of events, punitive loss and active work in PS). CONCLUSIONS: Safety briefing is a tool for the documentation of incidents that is simple and easy to use, and is useful for implementing improvements and in influencing safety culture.

[Lyme disease. Is it so uncommon?]. / Enfermedad de Lyme. ¿Es tan infrecuente?

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is a multisystem disease that may occur with rheumatic, dermatological, neurological symptoms and heart diseases. Its most typical lesion is erythema migrans, although not always present. The clinical diagnosis is supported by serology, and treatment is almost always tetracycline in young people and adults. Amoxicillin is most often used in children and pregnant women, and cephalosporins in the presence of neurological signs. The prognosis, with the appropriate treatment, is good. But if not treated promptly, there may be chronic signs, particularly, neurological, which may be disabling. In Spain, where the incidence is low, antimicrobial prophylaxis is indicated the after a tick bite.

[Massive transfusion predictive scores in trauma. Experience of a transfusion registry]. / Escalas predictivas de transfusión masiva en trauma. Experiencia de un registro de transfusiones.

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose is to validate previously described massive transfusion (MT) scoring in our Transfusion Trauma Registry. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort of adult trauma patients. SETTING: Trauma and Emergency Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with severe trauma (injury severity score>15) admitted from October 2006 to July 2009. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES: The following MT scoring and cutoff points (CP) were evaluated: Trauma-Associated Severe Hemorrhage (TASH) CP: ≥16 and ≥18; Assessment Blood Consumption (ABC) CP: ≥2 and Emergency Transfusion Score (ETS) CP: ≥3, ≥4, ≥6. MT was defined as the transfusion of 10 units or more of packed red blood cells in the first 24 hours. We studied the sensivity (S), specifity (SP), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), the positive and negative likehood ratios (LHR +, LHR-) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: A total of 568 patients were available for analysis; 77.6% were men, with a mean age of 41.16 ± 18 years and an ISS of 30 ± 13. 93.8% with blunt trauma. The overall MT rate was 18.8%. The best S was obtained with ETS ≥3 and best SP was obtained with TASH ≥18. ROC for different scores was: ABC: 0.779, ETS: 0. 784, TASH: 0.889. CONCLUSION: These scales can be useful for characterizing the TM population, for excluding low-risk populations, and for attempting to be objective in hematological damage control and in supporting clinical decisions, based on fe1w and easily obtainable data.

[Prolonged sedation in Intensive Care Units]. / Sedación prolongada en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos.

Sedation and analgesia constitute one of the cornerstones in the management of the critically ill patients. Most patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit require prolonged sedation and analgesia. It has been demonstrated that adequate sedo- analgesia lessens stress-related events in the critically ill patients, facilitating their management and improving their outcomes. However, the use of sedatives and analgesics, especially when administered in continuous intravenous infusion, may have its complications derived from its infra or over utilization with proved impact on the outcome of critically ill patients. A proper monitoring and the implementation of sedation and analgesia protocols warrant the adequate management of existing sedatives aiding to avoid tolerance and dependency events. Strategies such as "sequential sedation", "dynamic sedation" or "daily sedation interruption" have been proposed as efficacious tools for the avoidance of complications related to prolonged sedation. In the present chapter, concepts related to prolonged sedation (meaning sedation for more than 72 hours) are reviewed; available agents are evaluated and strategies aimed to assure quality in its application are described.

[Loco-regional analgesia]. / Analgesia locorregional.

The epidural analgesia is one of the most effective techniques for pain relief when it is indicated, but it can present potentially serious complications that must precociously be diagnosed and be treated. In the Critical Care setting, epidural analgesia is used for pain control after surgery or major trauma. The technique is simple, a catheter is placed into a virtual cavity, so the administered drugs are absorbed through the epidural space into nerve roots. The administration of local anesthetics, opioids or the combination of both by epidural route (administered in continuous infusion or bolus), provides better analgesia. Also the clonidine can be used. In order to diagnose and to treat suitably the possible complications (pain, urinary retention, nauseas and vomits, itching, motor block, infection, respiratory depression, hypotension) a series of safety measures must be adopted (respiratory and heart rate, blood pressure, sedation score, sensory and motor level assessment, rate of diuresis, temperature and signs of infection).

[Characteristics of lung cancer in a region in northern Spain]. / Características del carcinoma broncopulmonar en una región del norte de España.

OBJECTIVE: To gather information on the disease characteristics and survival rate of patients diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma in the respiratory medicine departments of hospitals in Asturias, Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study carried out using a standardized data collection protocol. All cases of lung cancer diagnosed during 2001 were included provided there was cytologic or histologic confirmation or they fulfilled a series of clinical, radiological, and/or endoscopic criteria consistent with such a diagnosis. RESULTS: Standard incidence rates adjusted to the world population were 22.4, 42.6, and 4.6 per 100,000 population for the whole population, men, and women respectively. The mean (SD) age was 67 (10.9) years, and 92% of the patients were men. Overall, 98% of the men and 44% of the women were smokers. Diagnosis was confirmed by cytologic or histologic findings in 92% of patients, and the majority were non-small cell tumors (81.4%). At the time of diagnosis, 65% of the patients had advanced disease, with distant metastasis in 26.6% of the non-small cell cancers and 52.8% of the small cell cancers. Patients received surgical treatment in 21.3% of cases, chemotherapy alone or combined with radiation therapy in 43.1%, and radiation therapy alone in 9.3%. In 26.2% of patients only palliative care was given. Overall, median survival in weeks was 36.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.4-43.4). Median survival by treatment type was as follows: 69.3 (95% CI, 49-9.5) for surgery; 39.6 (95% CI, 31.2-48) for chemotherapy alone or with radiation therapy; 30 (95% CI, 15.4-44.6) for radiation therapy alone; and 13.3 (95% CI, 5.9-20.6) for patients who received palliative care alone (P< .05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings with respect to age, sex, incidence, histology, extent of tumor, and smoking status of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma in our region does not differ significantly from those reported for other areas of Spain. Current smoking is the primary cause of the high prevalence of this disease. Twenty-six percent of patients received only palliative care. The percentage of patients treated with surgery was low.

[Descriptive study of onset diabetes mellitus type 1 patients and first degree families]. / Estudio descriptivo del comienzo de la diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y sus familiares de primer grado.

BACKGROUND: Few information about descriptive studies of autoimmunity in diabetes mellitus type 1 onset patients and family exist. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical and biochemical parameters of onset diabetes mellitus type 1 patients and first degree families. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty seven onset diabetes mellitus type 1 patients and 148 first degree families were studied, between January 1999 and December 2002, in the west area of Valladolid. In all cases and families an anthropometric study and biochemical determination with autoimmunity levels were performed. RESULTS: Average age in onset diabetes mellitus type 1 patients was 16.09 (9.36) years, without differences between males (32 cases, 68%) and females (15 cases, 32%), with an incidence of 4.66 cases/100,000 habs./year. Average values of peroxidase antibodies (antiPTO) and glutamic descarboxilase antibodies (antiGAD) were higher in diabetic patients than in families. No differences were detected in insulin antibodies (IAA) and tiroglobuline antibodies (antiTG). No correlation was detected between anti TPO and anti pancreas. Autoantibodies did not influence in glycemic control. Average dose of NPH insulin and regular insulin were 27.58 (13.88) UI/d y 3.05 (4.90) UI/d, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Average age of onset diabetes mellitus type 1 patients was similar than other studies, with a high frequency of males. Values of antiGAD y antiTPO were higher in diabetic patients than families. No correlation between autoimmunity and glycemic control was detected.

[Sarcoidosis in a sanitary area at Leon (Spain). Epidemiology and clinical features]. / Sarcoidosis en el área sanitaria de León. Epidemiología y clínica.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of sarcoidosis is different among distincts geographic areas, probably due to climate variations. At present, there is in Spain few studies that correlate the observed cases with a concrete population. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of sarcoidosis in Leon"s sanitary area, in comparison with others spanish geographic areas. Moreover, we present a description of the clinic and radiologic characteristics of the studied cases. METHOD: We analyzed the cases of sarcoidosis attended in the area from 1993 until 2001. The incidence, age, sex, place of residence and clinic-radiologic characteristics are described. The population data of the sanitary area to calculate the incidence were obtain from the Insalud"s data base. The climatology values were collected from the National Institute of Meteorology. RESULTS: The incidence of sarcoidosis in Leon"s sanitary area was 1,37/100.000 habitants/year, and was similar to that founded in Catalonia, Galizia and others provinces of the Castilla and Leon community. We observed a higher incidence of sarcoidosis in female patients, because of predominance of cases among women aged forty years or more. No differences between rural and urban populations were founded. The clinical characteristics were similar those described in other geographics areas of our country. CONCLUSION: Although there are climate differences between the geographics areas of Spain, these aren"t enough to explain his influence in the incidence of sarcoidosis, which is similar in all of them, at least in the middle north of the country.

[Programme to overcome tobacco dependency in cases of scheduled surgery]. / Programa de deshabituación tabáquica en cirugía programada.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Tobacco dependency is now beginning to be seen as a chronic disease. The scientific evidence of the damage it causes and the existence of efficient interventions mean it has to be tackled. In Health Area VIII of Asturias a plan to aid smokers was initiated in 1998. Now we want to extend this to patients who are going to have scheduled surgery, since it has been demonstrated that tobacco increases post-operative complications. In addition, having to confront surgery may be a reason for trying to give up tobacco. ACTIVITIES: Patients who are going to undergo surgery will be questioned and counselled on their tobacco habit during the pre-operative period. They will do the Richmond test and will be referred to the health centre if their score is >= 7.Interventions. The family doctor assesses the smokers' dependency and motivation, and offers them personalised treatment to give up. During their time in hospital, a nurse backs up their non-smoking. Once discharged, they are monitored periodically in primary care. EVALUATION: At the same time as the annual evaluation of the service portfolio, the number of smokers who underwent surgery and were counselled, visited on the ward and monitored in primary care will be measured. The number of patients still not smoking at one month, six months and twelve months will be recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of finance for the treatment may be one of the limitations of the programme. Although there are experiences in other countries of interventions in smokers who are going to have surgery, we have found no similar programme here.

[Middle-term effectiveness of a support program for smokers implemented in primary care]. / Efectividad a medio plazo de un plan de ayuda al fumador desarrollado en atención primaria.

AIM: To determine the middle-term effectiveness of a support program for smokers (SPS) wishing to quit. DESIGN: Observational, cohort follow-up study. SETTING: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample (n=289) of patients older than 14 years who took part in the SPS between 1 July 1998 and 30 September 2001, from among a total of 987 patients who had been seen in the primary care center for any reason during this period. INTERVENTIONS: Systematic minimal intervention, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), or both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A telephone survey was used to study smoker/ex-smoker status, relapses, mean period of abstention and number of attempts to quit after the study period. Information obtained from the data sheets used in the program included sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, chronic illnesses, degree of dependence and motivation, use of NRT, and participation in the program. RESULTS: Of all patients in the program, 27% quit, with a mean period of abstinence of 23 months at the time of the study. The success rate was higher among older participants, men, participants who has been smokers for longer periods, those who were more highly motivated to quit, and those who did not use NRT. Of all participants, 35.6% failed to quit, and of these, 75% relapsed within the first 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The SPS offered within the primary care setting was effective and feasible, although participants should be followed closely during the first months so they can be advised to accept the fact that relapses are part of the quitting process.

[Perception of professionals' quality of life in the Asturias a Health Care Area, Spain]. / Percepción de la calidad de vida profesional en un área sanitaria de Asturias.

AIM: To report on the perceived quality of life of professionals in the health services sector. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Directorate of Primary Care of Health Care Area VIII in Asturias, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty-seven professionals in the health care sector and other sectors. MAIN MEASURES: Internal mail was used to send all employees the CV-35 self-administered questionnaire, which measures perceived professional quality of life, understood as the balance between work demands and the capacity to cope with them. The instrument consists of 35 items that evaluate three dimensions: perception of demands, emotional support received from superiors, and intrinsic motivation. Each item was scored on a quantitative scale of 1 to 10. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five completed questionnaires were received (59.5%). Mean professional quality of life was 5.35 (5.12-5.58); there were no significant differences between age groups, sexes or employment status. Mean score for perceived demands at the workplace was 6.03 (5.89-6.17), and mean score for emotional support received from superiors was 4.78 (4.63-4.97). This support was valued most highly by employees who held a position of responsibility. Mean score for intrinsic motivation was 7.45 (7.34-7.56). CONCLUSIONS: Employees in Health Care Area VIII in Asturias perceived their professional quality of life to be moderately good, perceived a moderate degree of support received, and had a high level of intrinsic motivation to cope with high demands at the workplace.